Molecular mechanisms involved in superoxide-induced leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions in vivo

Intravital microscopy was used to monitor leukocyte adherence, flux, rolling velocity, and number of rolling leukocytes (flux/velocity) in venules 25-40 microns in diameter. The superoxide-generating system, hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase (HX/XO), was infused into the mesenteric circulation in untreated animals or in animals pretreated with either catalase (a hydrogen peroxide scavenger), WEB-2086 [a platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonist], or monoclonal antibodies directed against adhesion molecules CD18 (CL26) or P-selectin (PB1.3). HX/XO infusion caused a decrease in leukocyte rolling velocity and an increase in the number of rolling and adherent leukocytes. WEB-2086 prevented the increase in leukocyte adhesion and markedly increased leukocyte rolling velocity. PB1.3 abolished the HX/XO-associated rise in the flux of rolling leukocytes and proportionally decreased the number of adherent leukocytes. CL26 abolished HX/XO-induced leukocyte adhesion and also reduced the number of rolling leukocytes. In conclusion, P-selectin mediates the increased leukocyte flux induced by superoxide, whereas PAF and CD18 modulate leukocyte adhesion. PAF also reduces leukocyte rolling velocity, possibly as a result of CD18, but not P-selectin.