Lectin-induced aggregates of blood cells from patients with acute coronary syndromes.

Background: Cell surface glycoligands and circulating glycoproteins are believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) through cell aggregation/adhesion mechanisms. To characterize the glycobiological status of blood cells from patients with ACS, we used an advanced lectin-mediated aggregation technique allowing for detection of not only conventional lectin-induced cell aggregates but also their fraction resistant to haptenic/inhibitory sugars.

Methods: Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 24 patients with acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina and 18 healthy control subjects.