Mac-1 signaling via Src-family and Syk kinases results in elastase-dependent thrombohemorrhagic vasculopathy.

CD18 integrins promote neutrophil recruitment, and their engagement activates tyrosine kinases, leading to neutrophil activation. However, the significance of integrin-dependent leukocyte activation in vivo has been difficult to prove. Here, in a model of thrombohemorrhagic vasculitis, the CD18 integrin Mac-1 on neutrophils recognized complement C3 deposited within vessel walls and triggered a signaling pathway involving the Src-family kinase Hck and the Syk tyrosine kinase.

Platelets and platelet adhesion support angiogenesis while preventing excessive hemorrhage.

Platelets contain both pro- and antiangiogenic factors, but their regulatory role in angiogenesis is poorly understood. Although previous studies showed that platelets stimulate angiogenesis in vitro, the role of platelets in angiogenesis in vivo is largely uncharacterized. To address this topic, we used two in vivo approaches, the cornea micropocket assay and the Matrigel model, in four animal models: thrombocytopenic, Lyst(bg) (platelet storage pool deficiency), glycoprotein (GP) Ibalpha/IL4R transgenic (lacking extracellular GPIbalpha, the receptor for von Willebrand factor as well as other adhesive and procoagulant proteins), and FcgammaR(-/-) (lacking functional GPVI, the collagen receptor) mice.

Antithrombotic activity of TNF-alpha.

Basic and clinical observations suggest that thrombosis and inflammation are closely related. Here we addressed the role played by TNF-alpha in thrombus formation and growth in an in vivo mouse model. Using intravital microscopy, we show that systemic administration of TNF-alpha at doses found in sepsis transiently inhibits thrombus formation and delays arterial occlusion upon vascular injury.