Role of fibrin-neutrophil interactions in lung vascular injury.

Thrombin results in clotting of fibrinogen and intravascular fibrin accumulation. Pulmonary neutrophil sequestration also occurs, and this is related to the degree and duration of fibrin sequestration. Neutrophil activation appears to be an essential requirement for the mediation of pulmonary vascular injury. Thrombin-induced intravascular coagulation results in the generation of lipid mediators (LTB4 and HETEs), which may be involved in inducing lung vascular injury. The interaction between fibrin and neutrophils may be an essential factor contributing to lung microvascular injury.