A P-SELECTIN-IMMUNOGLOBULIN-G CHIMERA IS PROTECTIVE IN A RABBIT EAR MODEL OF ISCHEMIA-REPERFUSION

Background. Neutrophils have been shown to play a role in ischemia-rep erfusion injury, and the initial interaction of neutrophils with the e ndothelium is mediated through the selectin family of adhesion molecul es. Thus the purpose of these studies was to determine whether a P-sel ectin-IgG chimera was protective in a model of ischemia-reperfusion in jury. Methods. The model used was a rabbit ear model of ischemia-reper fusion. Selectin-IgG chimeras were given at the time of reperfusion of the tissue, and their efficacy was compared with an anti-CD18 antibod y (MHM23). Results. The P-selectin-IgG was as protective in this model as an anti-CD18 antibody. The chimera did not mediate its effect by c ausing the animals to become neutropenic. Conclusions. P-selectin play s a role in ischemia-reperfusion injury. This is in agreement with dat a from other groups. The fact that the chimera was effective in this m odel suggests that carbohydrates or small molecule mimics of carbohydr ates would be effective in this model. Such antiinflammatory agents ma y have fewer side effects in terms of increased risk of sepsis.