Leukocyte kinetics in the microcirculation

The transport of leukocytes in the microcirculation is specific for the type, size, and the rheological and adhesive properties, the microanatomy of the host organ, and the hemodynamics. The adhesion to the endothelium is determined largely by the degree of activation via chemotactic factors. Leukocyte motion differs from that of red cells or platelets in several respects. When granulocytes enter into capillaries, they are deformed just like red cells. Under normal flow conditions, the time to deform at the entry to capillaries is typically 1,000 times larger than for the red cell, leading to temporary obstruction of the capillaries. After entry, granulocytes move with lower velocity than red cells which causes a cell train formation inside the capillary. At the venular side, the granulocyte is displaced from the center stream toward the endothelium by faster moving red cells. This process leads to systematic attachment of the granulocytes to the endothelium. At a reduced perfusion pressure or in the presence of locally elevated levels of chemotactic factors, the granulocytes may not be able to pass through the capillary network, which leads to microvascular obstruction. Organs with a narrow capillary network may thereby become filters for circulating granulocytes. This event is accompanied in many situations with damage to the host organ.