Polymorphonuclear leukocyte integrins in deep venous thrombosis

The polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) have a role in the pathophysiology of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). We examined the phenotypical expression of PMN beta(2M)-integrins (CD ll a, CDll b, CD 11c) in a group of 19 subjects with leg DVT. PMN cells were incubated with fluorescent monoclonal antibodies against CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, and the evaluation was made by flow cytofluorimetry. The same integrins were determined after in vitro activation with 4-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). In DVT subjects, at baseline, the phenotypical expression of CD11b was decreased and that of CD11c increased when compared with normal controls. In normal subjects PMN activation with PMA and fMLP led to a constant increase of all PMN adhesion molecules, while in DVT subjects the CDl l a did not show any change. These data might have therapeutical applications, especially with the aim of preventing post-thrombotic deterioration of vein function.