Published online Jun 15, 1999. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v5.i3.231
Revised: February 18, 1999
Accepted: March 6, 1999
Published online: June 15, 1999
AIM: To study the effect of leukocyte-endothelium interaction (LEI) on the flow and distribution of leukocytes in microcirculation under physiological condition.
METHODS: A microcirculation image multiple parameter computer analysis system (MIMPCAS) was used to study the flow and distribution of leukocytes in mesentery microcirculation of rats in vivo.
RESULTS: The difference of visible leukocyte flux (VLF) was as high as 131 times in the arterioles and venules with similar diameter and blood velocity. The visible leukocytes rolled along the blood vessel wall as a “jerky” movement. The frequency distribution of the visible leukocyte velocity (VLV) showed a “two-peak” curve. The low peak value was on 10 μm/s-15 μm/s while the high peak fell between 25 μm/s-30 μm/s. With the increase of diameter of venules, VLF increased while the VLV remained at the same level. With the increase of RBC velocity, VLV trends to elevate and VLF to fall down.
CONCLUSION: The results herein might provide a basic theory for the study on the mechanism of LEI under physiological condition and novel methods for the prevention and treatment of high LEI in many pathological processes.