Importance of platelets and fibrinogen in neutrophil-endothelial cell interactions in septic shock.

Objective: To examine the role of platelets, fibrin, and adhesion molecules in mediating neutrophil-endothelial cell interactions in septic shock.

Design: Controlled experiments using phase contrast microscopy to examine neutrophil, platelet, and endothelial cell interactions in flowing cell suspensions under simulated physiologic conditions.

Setting: University research laboratory.