Cytokines and the microcirculation in ischemia and reperfusion

The intense inflammatory reaction following reperfusion of the infarcted my ocardium has been implicated as a factor in extension of injury. However, t his inflammatory reaction is also critical to tissue repair. The cellular r esponses that mediate these functions are orchestrated by sequential induct ion and/or release of cytokines resulting in a closely regulated cytokine c ascade. This paper reviews research on these cytokine cascades, their cellu lar origin, and factors which control the cellular response to their presen ce. Factors examined include leukotaxis, phenotypic transition of leukocyte s, adhesion molecule induction and the role of cytokines in tissue repair a nd scar formation. (C) 1998 Academic Press.