White Blood Cells in Vascular Disease
Vascular injury results in platelet deposition and then the adherent platelets recruit leukocytes via exposure of platelet P-selectin and its interaction with leukocyte PSGl-1. Platelet-leukocyte interactions can lead to leukocyte activation and transmigration of leukocytes through platelet thrombi into surrounding tissue, ultimately inducing intimal hyperplasia. Platelet-leukocyte interactions may also "passivate" the surface, thus limiting further platelet deposition.
We are currently investigating platelet-leukocyte interactions in vitro and their physiologic impact in vivo.
