PMN transendothelial migration decreases nuclear NFkappaB in IL-1beta-activated endothelial cells: role of PECAM-1.

During the systemic inflammatory response, circulating cytokines interact with the vascular endothelium, resulting in activation and nuclear accumulation of the nuclear transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa B (NFkappaB). In turn, NFkappaB transactivates relevant proinflammatory genes, resulting in an amplification of the inflammatory response. Because this scenario is potentially detrimental to the host, mechanisms exist to limit this amplification.

Neutrophils induce sequential focal changes in endothelial adherens junction components: role of elastase.

Objective: In vitro studies have indicated that polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) traverse endothelial cell monolayers via the paracellular pathway (i.e., through endothelial cell-cell junctions.