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Leucocyte-endothelial interactions in chronic critical limb ischaemia
G Ciuffetti1, R Lombardini, L Pasqualini
1Sezione di Medicina Interna, Angiologia e Malattie da Arteriosclerosi, Università degli Studi di Perugia.
Annali Italiani Di Medicina Interna : Organo Ufficiale Della Societa Italiana Di Medicina Interna
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Patients with critical limb ischaemia exhibit higher leucocyte counts and CD11/CD18 integrin expression compared to controls. This indicates chronic tissue ischaemia may involve constant immune cell activation, potentially worsening peripheral arterial obliterative disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vascular Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Peripheral arterial obliterative disease (PAOD) is a condition characterized by chronic tissue ischemia.
- Leukocyte activation and adhesion molecules like CD11/CD18 integrins play a role in inflammatory processes and vascular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in leukocyte counts and CD11/CD18 integrin expression in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) compared to healthy controls.
- To determine if these parameters vary throughout the day in patients with CLI.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from 18 patients with stage IIIb PAOD and 18 matched controls at three time points (8 a.m., 2 p.m., 8 p.m.).
- Total and differential leukocyte counts were analyzed.
- Leukocyte expression of CD11/CD18 integrins was measured using indirect immunofluorescence and flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- No significant diurnal variation was observed for any measured parameter in either group.
- Patients with CLI consistently showed significantly higher total and differential leukocyte counts compared to controls.
- Granulocyte expression of CD11/CD18 integrins was significantly elevated in CLI patients across all study times.
Conclusions:
- Chronic tissue ischemia in critical limb ischemia is associated with a persistently elevated leukocyte count.
- Constant upregulation of CD11/CD18 integrins on granulocytes suggests sustained immune cell activation in CLI.
- Activated neutrophils may contribute to the local progression of peripheral arterial obliterative disease and systemic organ damage.