P- and L-selectin mediate distinct but overlapping functions in endotoxin-induced leukocyte-endothelial interactions in the rat mesenteric microcirculation.

Endotoxin is a potent stimulus of leukocyte infiltration, but the adhesion-related mechanisms responsible for LPS-induced cell recruitment events in vivo remain poorly characterized. Utilizing intravital microscopy, we examined the role of P- and L-selectin in LPS-induced inflammation. We demonstrated that superfusion of rat mesentery with LPS resulted in significant increases in both leukocyte rolling and adherence, which were maintained for at least 2 h. Pretreatment with a P-selectin neutralizing mAb only partially inhibited LPS-induced leukocyte rolling, but completely inhibited LPS-induced leukocyte adherence throughout the 2-h observation period. Pretreatment with an L-selectin neutralizing mAb dramatically inhibited LPS-induced increases in leukocyte rolling, but unlike the P-selectin mAb did not inhibit leukocyte adhesion. Fucoidin, which blocks both P- and L-selectin function, completely inhibited LPS-induced leukocyte rolling and adhesion. Consistent with previous studies, leukocyte rolling velocities on P-selectin were observed to be far less than velocities observed for leukocytes rolling on L-selectin in vivo. These data suggest that P-selectin plays a role in LPS-induced rolling and is essential for LPS-induced leukocyte adherence, while L-selectin functions in LPS-induced rolling, but not in adhesion.