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Monoclonal antibody to murine PECAM-1 (CD31) blocks acute inflammation in vivo

S Bogen1, J Pak, M Garifallou

  • 1Department of Pathology, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts 02118-2394.

Insights

Platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1) is crucial for acute inflammation, as blocking it prevents leukocytes, especially neutrophils, from emigrating into the peritoneal cavity in a mouse model. This confirms PECAM-1

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Inflammation Research

Background:

  • Acute inflammation involves leukocyte recruitment to sites of injury.
  • Platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1/CD31) is implicated in leukocyte trafficking.
  • Previous in vitro studies suggested PECAM-1's role in transendothelial migration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the in vivo role of PECAM-1 in acute inflammation using a murine peritonitis model.
  • To determine if blocking PECAM-1 function affects leukocyte emigration.
  • To confirm findings from in vitro models in a relevant in vivo setting.

Main Methods:

  • A murine model of thioglycollate-induced peritonitis was established.
  • Mice were intravenously injected with a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against murine PECAM-1.
  • Leukocyte emigration into the peritoneal cavity was assessed up to 48 hours post-injection.
  • Control mAbs, including anti-CD18, were used for comparison.
  • Peripheral blood leukocyte counts and organ sequestration were evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Intravenous injection of anti-PECAM-1 mAb significantly blocked leukocyte emigration into the peritoneal cavity.
  • Neutrophil emigration was particularly inhibited by anti-PECAM-1 treatment.
  • Control mAbs did not inhibit leukocyte emigration.
  • The observed effect was not due to neutropenia or neutrophil sequestration in other organs.
  • Leukocytes were observed adhered to mesenteric venule surfaces but failed to transmigrate.

Conclusions:

  • PECAM-1 is essential for leukocyte transendothelial migration in vivo during acute inflammation.
  • Blocking PECAM-1 function effectively inhibits neutrophil recruitment.
  • The in vitro role of PECAM-1 in leukocyte migration is validated in a relevant in vivo model.
  • PECAM-1 represents a potential therapeutic target for modulating inflammatory responses.

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