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Biomedical subjects

K Ley

Publications and source records attributed to K Ley.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Differential adhesion of granulocytes to five distinct phenotypes of cultured microvascular endothelial cells.

Adhesion of isolated human polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs) to five different phenotypes of cultured microvascular endothelial cells derived from bovine corpora lutea was investigated by measuring the myeloperoxidase content of cell lysates. Untreated and interleukin 1 (IL-1) -pretreated confluent monolayers were overlaid with unstimulated and phorbol ester (PMA)-stimulated PMNs in the absence and presence of the monoclonal antibody IB4 recognizing and functionally blocking beta 2 (CD18) of the leukocyte integrins. Unstimulated PMN adhesion was highest on type 4, followed by type 3 and 5 endothelial cells. This adhesion was not inhibited by treatment with IB4. IL-1 pretreatment of endothelial cells resulted in a significant increase of PMN adhesion on types 1, 2, and 4, most of which was also beta 2 integrin-independent. PMA-stimulation of PMNs increased adhesion to maximal values on cell types 1 and 5, which was largely blocked by IB4. Type 2 endothelial cells supported significantly less PMA-stimulated PMN adhesion than all other types. In the presence of IB4, adhesion of PMNs to untreated and IL-1-pretreated type 3 and 4 endothelial cells was significantly reduced by PMA. This reduction of beta 2 integrin-independent adhesion by PMA stimulation is compatible with possible shedding of the lectin-like leukocyte adhesion molecule, L-selectin, from PMNs. Differential PMN adhesion may reflect distinctive expression of endothelial adhesion molecules in different phenotypes of microvascular endothelial cells. Endothelial specialization within the microcirculation may have important functional consequences for the inflammatory response in vivo.

Animals

How do selectins mediate leukocyte rolling in venules?

At the onset of inflammation, 20-80% of all leukocytes passing postcapillary venules roll along the endothelium. Recent blocking experiments with antibodies and soluble adhesion receptor molecules, as well as in vitro reconstitution experiments, suggest that leukocyte rolling is mediated by adhesion molecules that belong to the selectin family. What differentiates a selectin-counterreceptor interaction that leads to leukocyte rolling from others that mediate firm adhesion after static incubation but no adhesion when incubated under flow conditions? Here, we explore this question by introducing a quantitative biophysical model that is compatible with the laws of mechanics as applied to rolling leukocytes and the present biochemical and biophysical data on selectin mediated interactions. Our computational experiments point to an adhesion mechanism in which the rate of bond formation is high and the detachment rate low, except at the rear of the contact area where the stretched bonds detach at a high uniform rate. The bond length and bond flexibility play a critical role in enhancing leukocyte rolling at a wide range of fluid shear rates.

Animals

Leukocyte adhesion to vascular endothelium.

Leukocyte adhesion and emigration are controlled by soluble mediators and effected by various adhesion molecules. Currently, three major families of adhesion receptors are known to contribute to this process: integrins, vascular selectins, and immunoglobulin-like receptors. These adhesion systems are not additive and mutually replaceable, but appear to constitute a cascade of events. Leukocyte margination is followed by rolling, firm adhesion, emigration, and migration in the interstitial space. In addition, biomechanical parameters like leukocyte deformability and shear stress exerted by the flowing blood modulate the efficacy of adhesive interaction. This article briefly reviews the molecular nature, biologic regulation, and physiologic function of pertinent adhesion receptors.

Acute Disease

Redistribution of red blood cell flow in microcirculatory networks by hemodilution.

The effect of isovolemic hemodilution on red blood cell flow distribution was studied in complete self-contained microvessel networks of the rat mesentery. Hematocrit, diameter, and length of all vessel segments as well as the topological structure were determined in control networks (systemic hematocrit, 0.54) and after hemodilution (systemic hematocrit, 0.30). Hemodilution was performed by exchanging blood with hydroxyethyl starch (MW 450,000; 6%) or homologous plasma. With hemodilution, the decrease of microvessel hematocrit exceeded that of systemic hematocrit. The average discharge hematocrit in capillaries was 79% of systemic hematocrit in the control group and 73% with hemodilution (p less than 0.001). The heterogeneity of capillary hematocrit within the network, expressed by the coefficient of variation, increased from 0.4 to 0.7. By using the morphological and topological data of four networks, the distribution of hematocrits was also calculated using a hydrodynamic flow model. The modeling results were found to be in close agreement with the experimental data. This indicates that the observed changes can be deduced from established rheological phenomena, most of all phase separation at arteriolar bifurcations. The changes in hematocrit distribution after hemodilution are accompanied by a redistribution of red blood cell flow within the network: relative to total red blood cell flow, red blood cell flow in the distal capillaries of the network increases by about 40% at the expense of the proximal capillaries that are close to the feeding arteriole and that exhibit the highest red blood cell flow under control conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals

Lectin-like cell adhesion molecule 1 mediates leukocyte rolling in mesenteric venules in vivo.

During the inflammatory response, granulocytes and other leukocytes adhere to and emigrate from small venules. Before firm attachment, leukocytes are observed rolling slowly along the endothelium in venules of most tissues accessible to intravital microscopy. The molecular mechanism underlying this early type of leukocyte-endothelial interaction is unknown. Leukocyte rolling was investigated in venules (diameter, 40 microns) of the exposed rat mesentery. Micro-infusion of a recombinant soluble chimera (LEC-IgG) of the murine homing receptor lectin-like cell adhesion molecule 1 (LEC-CAM 1; gp90MEL) into individual venules reduced the number of rolling leukocytes by 89% +/- 2% (mean +/- SEM, n = 20 venules), while a similar CD4 chimera (CD4-IgG) had no effect (inhibition 14% +/- 7%, n = 25). Rolling was also greatly reduced by a polyclonal serum against LEC-CAM 1 (inhibition 84% +/- 3%, n = 35); preimmune serum was ineffective (11% +/- 13% inhibition, n = 28). These findings indicate that LEC-CAM 1 mediates the adhesive interaction underlying leukocyte rolling and thus may play an important role in inflammation and in pathologic conditions involving leukocytes.

Animals

Sulfated polysaccharides inhibit leukocyte rolling in rabbit mesentery venules.

Before firm adhesion, leukocytes roll slowly along the walls of small venules at velocities ranging from 0.7 to 36% of mean blood flow velocity. To investigate the nature of the adhesive process underlying leukocyte rolling, synthetic (dextran sulfate) and naturally occurring sulfated polysaccharides (heparin, chondroitin sulfates, keratan sulfate, and heparan sulfate) were infused via glass micropipettes into the lumen of small venules (20-60 microns diam) of the rabbit mesentery. Leukocyte rolling was observed and quantified using both transmitted light and incident fluorescence intravital microscopy. Rolling leukocytes accounted for 27-80% of total leukocyte flux, exhibiting a wide range of individual velocities (0.01-0.84 mm/s) with a mean value of 4% of centerline velocity. Dextran sulfate (Mr 500,000) inhibited leukocyte rolling very effectively [half-effective concentration (ED50) approximately 10 micrograms/ml] and was able to almost completely abolish rolling at 500 micrograms/ml. Heparin (ED50 approximately 50 micrograms/ml), chondroitin 6-sulfate C (ED50 approximately 500 micrograms/ml), and heparan sulfate (ED50 approximately 5 mg/ml) also reduced leukocyte rolling. At 5 mg/ml, chondroitin 4-sulfate B (dermatan sulfate) was marginally effective, but chondroitin 4-sulfate A and keratan sulfate were ineffective. The present data suggest that an adhesion receptor-ligand system distinct from the leukocyte integrins may be underlying transient leukocyte adhesion (rolling). Endothelial glycoproteins or proteoglycans containing sulfated side chains may be involved in mediating this adhesive process.

Animals

Endothelial, not hemodynamic, differences are responsible for preferential leukocyte rolling in rat mesenteric venules.

At the onset of the inflammatory process, leukocytes roll along venular but not arteriolar walls before they firmly attach and emigrate. To test whether differences in hydrodynamic flow conditions are responsible for the preferential occurrence of leukocyte rolling in venules, we varied wall shear rate, gamma w, between 30 and 2,000 sec-1 by selective micro-occlusion of side branches in venules and arterioles (diameter, 20-37 microns) of the exposed mesentery of anesthetized rats. In venules, 39% (range, 6-77%) of all passing leukocytes were found interacting with the endothelium (rolling), whereas this fraction was only 0.6% in arterioles. The fraction of rolling leukocytes in venules decreased from 49 +/- 13% at gamma w less than 100 sec-1 (N = 12) to 24 +/- 13% at gamma w greater than 400 sec-1 (N = 12). Mean leukocyte rolling velocity in venules increased with gamma w, but the most frequent rolling velocity class was 20-40 microns/sec at all shear rates. In arterioles, even prolonged (up to 90 minutes) conditions of reduced flow (gamma w less than 150 sec-1) did not induce leukocyte rolling. Radial distribution of freely flowing leukocytes not different in arterioles and venules. The data indicate that hemodynamic factors are not responsible for the difference of leukocyte adhesion between arterioles and venules. The venular endothelium appears to be specialized to support leukocyte adhesion during inflammation. This finding correlates with reports on preferential expression of various endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecules on venular endothelial cells.

Animals

Rapid leukocyte accumulation by "spontaneous" rolling and adhesion in the exteriorized rabbit mesentery.

Leukocyte concentration in venules of exteriorized rabbit mesentery was calculated from intravascular white blood cell counts and venular length and diameter measured in histological whole mount preparations. Immediately after exteriorization, the mean venular leukocyte concentration (MVLC) was found to be slightly below systemic leukocyte concentration. One to five minutes later, MVLC was 7 times, and 30 minutes later, 20 times above systemic values. The concentrations of both polymorphonuclear and mononuclear leukocytes (PMNs, MNs) increased, but PMNs accumulated faster and in higher numbers (8 fold vs. 4 fold at 5 minutes, 24 vs. 14 fold at 30 minutes, respectively). The observed leukocyte accumulation in mesentery venules was found to be due to adherence of leukocytes which is absent in normal tissue, but was rapidly induced by exteriorization. Intravital microscopy revealed that many leukocytes were rolling along the venular endothelium. Dextran sulfate, a potent inhibitor of leukocyte rolling largely prevented leukocyte accumulation after exteriorization (twice systemic vs. 6 times in control). A monoclonal antibody (60.3) blocking CD18 of the leukocyte adhesion complex attenuated leukocyte accumulation to a lesser extent (3.5 times systemic). The data indicate that leukocyte rolling accounts for the major part of "spontaneous" leukocyte accumulation in the exteriorized mesentery.

Animals

Venulo-arteriolar communication and propagated response. A possible mechanism for local control of blood flow.

The effect of microinjection of norepinephrine (10(-5) M) into precapillary microvessels of the rat mesentery was studied using intravital microscopy. Upon application, in 29 out of 40 cases (73%) flow ceased at the site of drug application, although in most cases the precapillary microvessels themselves did not show a diameter change due to a lack of smooth muscle cells as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. In 17 out of the 29 cases with flow cessation (59%), an intimate contact between the venule draining the site of application and the supplying arteriole was found. Initial constriction was seen at the site where the venule crossed the arteriole. Constriction propagated both up- and downstream along the arteriole, and also across arteriolo-arteriolar arcades. Arteriolar constriction could be abolished by intentionally occluding the venule draining the norepinephrine solution. It is proposed that venuloarteriolar contacts and propagated vasomotor response may contribute to local blood flow regulation by providing a feedback loop between tissue capillaries and resistance arterioles. In three complete mesenteric microvessel networks, the arterioles (n = 34) supplying 273 out of 401 capillaries (68%) were in close proximity to venules draining these same capillaries. Each of these arterioles served, on average, 43 capillaries, showing a bimodal distribution with peaks at 4 to 16 and at 64 to 256 capillaries. On average, 62% of all capillaries drained by a given venule crossing an arteriole originated from this very arteriole, indicating a reasonably effective feedback.

Animals

Dextran sulfate prevents LTB4-induced permeability increase, but not neutrophil emigration, in the hamster cheek pouch.

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is known to induce neutrophil-dependent macromolecular leakage in the hamster cheek pouch. LTB4 was superfused over cheek pouches dissected for intravital microscopy; and leukocyte rolling and firm adhesion in venules, neutrophil emigration, and macromolecular permeability as leakage of fluorescent dextran was quantified. Dextran sulfate (MW 500,000; 17.5 mg/kg iv bolus), but not uncharged dextran, reduced the LTB4-induced venular leakage of macromolecules by 85%. Histamine-induced leakage, which is neutrophil independent, was left unaffected. Dextran sulfate had no effect on leukocyte adhesion in postcapillary venules induced by LTB4, nor on their subsequent emigration to the surrounding tissue. Dextran sulfate significantly inhibited leukocyte rolling during nonstimulated conditions along the walls of collecting venules, but not postcapillary venules. Consequently, neutrophil-induced macromolecular leakage and neutrophil emigration appear to be independent, separable events. As an explanation of the present results it is proposed that the dextran sulfate complexes neutrophil granule cationic proteins, thus preventing neutrophil-mediated permeability increase.

Animals

Red cell distribution at microvascular bifurcations.

The distribution of red cell and blood volume flow was studied at 65 arteriolar bifurcations in the rat mesentery. Hematocrit and flow velocity were measured simultaneously in all three vessel segments constituting a bifurcation. Blood flow distribution was manipulated by irreversibly occluding downstream side branches of one of the daughter vessels. The dependence of fractional red cell volume flow on fractional blood flow was described using a three-parameter (X0, B, A) logit function. The critical volume flow fraction below which only plasma enters a downstream branch (X0), the nonlinearity of the relation between red cell and blood volume flow (B), and the asymmetry of that relation which is described by the parameter A decrease with increasing diameter of the vessel feeding the bifurcation. At diameters above 30 microns, phase separation is very limited. In addition, the nonlinearity parameter B decreases with decreasing hematocrit in the feeding vessel. The asymmetry parameter A strongly depends on the diameter ratio between the two daughter branches: For a given fractional blood flow, the smaller branch receives more red cells than the larger branch. Using a model for plasma skimming based on the assumption of a planar separating surface, the shape of the radial hematocrit profile in the feeding vessel has been calculated. The model predicts a decrease in local hematocrit from the vessel axis toward the wall with a distinct marginal zone free from cell centers. With increasing vessel diameter the hematocrit profile becomes more blunted while the width of the marginal zone increases.

Animals

Shunting of leukocytes in rabbit tenuissimus muscle.

Leukocyte distribution was studied in 58 arterioles and capillaries constituting eight networks in the fascia adjacent to the rabbit tenuissimus muscle. Fluorescence video microscopy (acridine red) and digital image processing were used to visualize the leukocytes. Leukocyte concentration in the transverse arterioles leaving the muscle proper to irrigate the fascia was significantly elevated to 143 +/- 13% (mean +/- SE) of the systemic count. Leukocytes were found to further accumulate along the arteriolar tree, reaching 244 +/- 16% of systemic in the most remote branches. Leukocyte accumulation in the connective tissue can be calculated to lead to a decrease of leukocyte concentration in muscle capillaries to 89% of the systemic value. This shunting effect may be important in preventing leukocyte-induced capillary obstruction. At individual arteriolar bifurcations, leukocytes were found to preferentially enter the downstream branch with higher flow rate (regression coefficient 1.11 +/- 0.04, n = 100). This preferential distribution is quantitatively sufficient to account for the observed leukocyte distribution in the network.

Algorithms

Shear-dependent inhibition of granulocyte adhesion to cultured endothelium by dextran sulfate.

Adhesion of polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs) in microvessels occurs in the presence of shear forces exerted by the blood flow. To model this in vitro, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-activated PMN were exposed to shear stress on cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and on plastic dishes coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA). PMN adhesion to HUVECs averaged 36% of the total PMNs added and was reduced to 21% by shear stress of approximately 1.5 dynes.cm-2. On BSA, adhesion was reduced from 59% to 35%. Dextran sulfate (molecular weight 500,000) inhibited PMN adhesion in a dose-dependent manner when shear stress was applied. At a concentration of 1 mg.ml-1, inhibition was 72% on HUVECs and 76% on BSA. Half-maximal inhibition was reached at approximately 1 microgram.mL-1 dextran sulfate, corresponding to 2 nmol/L. Without shear stress, dextran sulfate had no effect on HUVECs and only a moderate effect on BSA. The murine monoclonal antibody (MoAb) 60.3, recognizing an epitope on the leukocyte adhesion glycoprotein CD18, inhibited PMN adhesion equally well with and without shear. A low dose of MoAb 60.3 enhanced the effect of dextran sulfate without shear stress. Flow cytometry (FACS) did not show inhibition of MoAb 60.3 binding to PMNs by dextran sulfate. These results indicate that a dextran sulfate-inhibitable adhesion process is important for PMN adhesion in the presence of shear stress.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

Preferential distribution of leukocytes in rat mesentery microvessel networks.

Distribution of leukocytes in rat mesenteric microvessel networks was studied using intravital fluorescence video microscopy. A digital image analysis system was used to measure vessel diameters, flow velocities and leukocyte fluxes in 306 capillaries of 8 networks. Capillaries were defined as vessel segments connecting divergent to convergent branch points. Their topological position within the network was quantified by a generation number defined as the number of bifurcations between the capillary and the arteriole feeding the network. Proximal capillaries (generation numbers 4 and 5) were slightly but significantly smaller in diameter (8.9 +/- 0.4 micron, mean +/- SEM) than distal ones (generation numbers 20 and 21, 10.1 +/- 0.4 micron). Average capillary flow velocity decreased markedly from 2.0 +/- 1.0 mm.s-1 in proximal to 0.41 +/- 0.06 mm.s-1 in distal capillaries. Average leukocyte concentration was 3.4 +/- 0.5.10(9) 1(-1) and thus significantly below systemic values (6.0.10(9) 1(-1] in proximal capillaries, and above in distal ones (11.7 +/- 2.6.10(9) 1(-1). The analysis of flow and leukocyte flux partition at 138 bifurcations showed preferential distribution of leukocytes to the daughter capillary with higher flow rate. This suggests a tentative explanation for the observed leukocyte accumulation along the microvascular tree: due to their low fractional flow, proximal capillaries draw relatively leukocyte-poor blood from the arteriole feeding the network; this leads to an increased leukocyte concentration in distal capillaries. As a consequence of the concomitant increase of capillary diameter with increasing generation number, leukocytes are preferentially flowing through larger capillaries and are excluded from small ones.

Animals

Haematocrit distribution in rabbit tenuissimus muscle.

Low values of mean capillary haematocrit have been reported in many tissues including skeletal muscle. The present study was undertaken to analyse haematocrit distribution in the transverse and terminal arterioles, capillaries and venules of the rabbit tenuissimus muscle preparation. Tube haematocrit, i.e. the volume fraction of red cells, in muscle capillaries (n = 85) was found to be 39% of systematic haematocrit Hsys. In part, this haematocrit reduction is due to the Fahraeus effect. Corresponding capillary discharge haematocrit HD was 56% of Hsys. Tenuissimus muscle capillaries are fed by terminal arterioles originating from transverse arterioles. The latter extend into and supply adjacent connective tissue septa in addition to the muscle tissue proper. In transverse arterioles leaving the muscle to enter the connective tissue, HD was found to be 127% of Hsys (n = 18), and in collecting venules at the muscle edge HD was 129% of Hsys (n = 18). These findings indicate that the connective tissue microcirculation represents a functional red-cell shunt in resting tenuissimus muscle. Since only about 20% of the inflow to the preparation passes through the connective tissue, this shunting is not sufficient to satisfy conservation of red-cell mass. In addition, it is likely that the observed low capillary haematocrit is in part due to a positive correlation between blood-flow velocity and HD in capillaries originating from individual terminal arterioles. This phenomenon is called the network Fahraeus effect.

Animals

A versatile intravital microscope design.

A new intravital microscope system with a versatile arrangement of optical elements and different photosensitive detection devices is described. The image formed by the microscope modified for telescopic imaging is transferred to an optical platform. Through an arrangement of beam splitters and mirrors, the image can be projected simultaneously into three of four different recording systems, including video- and photocameras and a velocity measuring system. In contrast to earlier approaches, the presented system simultaneously generates images on several devices. These images have the same orientation and field of view as that seen through the oculars. This allows the parallel application of different measuring techniques to a given area of the microcirculation.

Humans