Leukocyte dependence of platelet adhesion in postcapillary venules.

Reperfusion of ischemic tissues results in development of a proinflammatory, prothrombogenic phenotype, culminating in the recruitment of leukocytes and platelets within postcapillary venules. Recent studies have indicated an interdependence of platelet and leukocyte adhesion, suggesting that heterotypic blood cell interactions may account for postischemic platelet recruitment. The objectives of this study were to 1) determine whether ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced platelet recruitment is leukocyte dependent and 2) quantify the contributions of leukocytes and endothelial cells in this platelet recruitment.

Time-dependent platelet-vessel wall interactions induced by intestinal ischemia-reperfusion.

Platelets roll and adhere in venules exposed to ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). This platelet-endothelial adhesion may influence leukocyte trafficking because platelet depletion decreases I/R-induced leukocyte emigration. The objectives of this study were 1) to assess the time course of platelet adhesion in the small bowel after I/R and 2) to determine the roles of endothelial and/or platelet P-selectin and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) in this adhesion.