The role of adhesion molecules in reperfusion injury

Leukocytes can produce vascular injury following ischemia and reperfusion of tissue resulting in thrombosis, edema and necrosis. Leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells allows formation of a protected microenvironment where inflammatory molecules can exceed anti-inflammatory molecules thus resulting in injury. Blocking adherence with monoclonal antibodies to adherence molecules can prevent reperfusion injury to a variety of organs. In particular, antibodies to CD18 and P-selectin have been shown to be effective in ameliorating injury.