Endothelium-leukocyte interactions under the influence of the superoxide-nitrogen monoxide system.

Background: The production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species contributes to the development of vascular injury and inflammation. The present study was focused on neutrophil adhesion to monolayers of primary endothelial cells in the presence of NO donors, a superoxide anion producing system (hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase, HX-XO) and peroxynitrite under static conditions.

Material/methods: Phase contrast and scanning electron microscopy was used to study endothelial monolayer integrity.