Neutrophil-derived adhesion molecules in human digital ischaemia and reperfusion

In order to see whether leucocyte-derived adhesion molecules are involved in ischaemia and reperfusion, the total and differential leucocyte counts and expression of the LFA complex i.e. CD11a/CD18 (LFA-1), CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1) and CD11c/CD18 (p 150,95) were monitored before and after standard cold and heat tests in 8 females with Raynaud's Disease and 8 matched controls. All patients suffered from vasoconstriction during the cold test which, compared with controls, was associated with fewer granulocytes expressing significantly more CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1) integrin and a significant degree of neutropenia persisting during reperfusion. Leucocyte-endothelial adhesive interactions may therefore occur during ischaemia and reperfusion.