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Sickle Cell Vasoocclusion: Heterotypic, Multicellular Aggregations Driven by Leukocyte Adhesion
Author(s) -
FRENETTE PAUL S.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
microcirculation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.793
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1549-8719
pISSN - 1073-9688
DOI - 10.1080/10739680490278556
Subject(s) - endothelium , immunology , intravital microscopy , cell adhesion , cell , adhesion , biology , ischemia , microbiology and biotechnology , microcirculation , medicine , pathology , chemistry , genetics , organic chemistry
ABSTRACT Homozygous expression of sickle β ‐globin alters the function of blood cells and the endothelium, producing a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Intravital microscopy studies in sickle cell mice suggest that vasoocclusion is a complex, sequential, multistep phenomenon involving (1) endothelial activation by sickle erythrocyte (SSRBC), (2) leukocyte (WBC) adhesion to the endothelium, and (3) the direct interaction between SSRBCs and adherent WBCs, which leads to reduced blood flow and tissue ischemia. Each of these steps represents a potentially useful therapeutic target. The identification of molecular determinants mediating vasoocclusion will provide new strategies for the prevention and treatment of this debilitating illness.