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A possible role for L-selectin in the release of polymorphonuclear leukocytes from bone marrow

S F van Eeden1, R Miyagashima, L Haley

  • 1Pulmonary Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada.

Insights

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) shed L-selectin as they leave bone marrow, a process inhibited by hypothermia. This shedding may regulate PMN release into circulation.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • L-selectin expression is higher on polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in bone marrow compared to peripheral blood.
  • The precise location and mechanism of L-selectin loss during PMN egress from bone marrow remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine where L-selectin is lost as PMN transition from bone marrow hematopoietic tissue to venous sinusoids.
  • To investigate the role of temperature in L-selectin shedding and PMN release during cardiopulmonary bypass.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative histology and immunocytochemistry were used to measure L-selectin expression on bone marrow PMN.
  • Samples were collected from patients undergoing normothermic and hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass.
  • In vitro studies assessed the effect of temperature on L-selectin shedding.

Main Results:

  • Baseline L-selectin expression was significantly higher in bone marrow hematopoietic tissue than in sinusoids.
  • Normothermic bypass increased peripheral blood band cells and reduced L-selectin on sinusoidal PMN.
  • Hypothermia (27°C) prevented both the increase in band cells and the reduction in L-selectin.

Conclusions:

  • PMN shed L-selectin during their movement from bone marrow hematopoietic tissue to venous sinusoids.
  • Temperature significantly influences L-selectin shedding and PMN release from the bone marrow.
  • L-selectin shedding is a potential mechanism controlling PMN release from the marrow.

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