ROLE OF NEUTROPHIL-ENDOTHELIAL ADHESION IN SKELETAL-MUSCLE REPERFUSION INJURY

During postischaemic revascularization neutrophil-endothelial adhesion in the skeletal muscle microcirculation, promoted by the neutrophil a dhesion molecule Mac-1, may impair muscle blood flow and release oxyge n free radicals and proteolytic enzymes which causes further tissue in jury. This study has assessed the effect of an anti-Mac-1 monoclonal a ntibody on the severity of skeletal muscle injury in a rat model of 6- h hindlimb ischaemia and 4-h reperfusion. In control animals a sustain ed impairment of muscle perfusion was associated with neutrophil seque stration, muscle infarction and muscle oedema (P < 0.001 versus normal rats). In contrast, intravenous administration of anti-Mac-1 monoclon al antibody before revascularization prevented neutrophil recruitment, reduced muscle necrosis and improved postischaemic muscle perfusion a t 120 and 240 min (not significantly different from normal), thus cell ular injury. adhesion molecules may, therefore, have a role in the pre vention of this complication of limb revascularization.