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PAF mediates neutrophil adhesion to thrombin or TNF-stimulated endothelial cells under shear stress

D Macconi1, M Foppolo, S Paris

  • 1Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Bergamo, Italy.

Insights

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) mediates polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) adhesion to activated endothelial cells under flow. Blocking PAF reduced PMN interaction with thrombin- or TNF-alpha-stimulated cells.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Platelet-activating factor (PAF) influences leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells under static conditions.
  • The role of PAF in leukocyte adhesion under dynamic flow and inflammatory conditions is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of PAF in polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) under flow conditions.
  • To assess the effect of PAF receptor antagonism on PMN adhesion stimulated by thrombin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a parallel-plate flow chamber to simulate dynamic flow conditions.
  • Employed a PAF receptor antagonist (L-659,989) to block PAF signaling.
  • Quantified PMN rolling and adhesion to HUVEC using a computer-based image analysis system.

Main Results:

  • Thrombin stimulation significantly increased PMN rolling and adhesion to HUVEC, accompanied by increased PAF synthesis.
  • PAF receptor antagonism with L-659,989 significantly reduced PMN rolling and adhesion to thrombin-activated HUVEC.
  • TNF-alpha stimulation increased PMN rolling and adhesion; L-659,989 reduced adhesion and transmigration but not rolling.

Conclusions:

  • PAF plays a significant role in mediating PMN adhesion and migration to inflammatory-activated HUVEC under flow.
  • PAF signaling is crucial for leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions during inflammation in a flow environment.

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