Inhibition of endotoxin-induced leukocyte/endothelial cell interaction by antithrombin III - An intravital microscopic study in the skin fold preparation of the hamster

Using intravital fluorescence microscopy, we demonstrate that antithrombin III (AT III) treatment (250 IE/kg/24 h) of endotoxinemic animals attenuates leukocyte adherence in postcapillary venules in the skin fold chamber prep aration of the hamster in vivo. Moreover, AT III prevented the depression o f functional capillary density, which served as a measure of microvascular perfusion. Both mechanisms may explain the improvement of organ function in patients with severe sepsis.