THE ROLE OF THE NEUTROPHIL IN ISCHEMIA-REPERFUSION INJURY - POTENTIALTHERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS

The pathogenesis of the reperfusion syndrome is complex and as yet not fully elucidated. It is characterized by the development of increased microvascular permeability, oedema and tissue necrosis, and is associ ated with free radical release, cellular calcium overload and activati on of neutrophils, Furthermore, systemic release of putative mediators may result in distant organ injury (lung, kidney, heart). This review , after briefly describing the role of neutrophils in these events, wi ll concentrate on potential therapeutic interventions that might be em ployed to minimise ischaemia-reperfusion syndrome. Issues of safety wi ll be considered, and potential applications of these techniques in pa tient management discussed. (C) 1998 The International Society for Car diovascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights res erved.