EFFECT OF LEUKOCYTE ADHESION AND MICROVASCULAR PERMEABILITY ON CAPILLARY PERFUSION DURING ISCHEMIA-REPERFUSION INJURY IN HAMSTER-CHEEK POUCH

The role of leukocyte sticking and permeability changes in the variation of perfused capillaries induced by ischemia reperfusion was studied in the hamster cheek pouch microcirculation. The drugs utilized were the antiperoxidative agents allopurinol, the calcium antagonists verapamil and diltiazem, and phenidone and adenosine, which inhibit leukotriene formation as well as leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium. The microvasculature was visualized by a fluorescence technique. Ischemia was induced by clamping the cheek pouch for 30 minutes followed by 30 minutes of reperfusion. The increase in permeability, the perfused capillary length and the number of adhering leukocytes to venular vessel wall were measured. Ischemia and reperfusion were associated with increased permeability, increased number of leukocytes sticking to the venular wall, and decreased number of functional capillaries. Microvascular injury evidenced by increased permeability was apparent in the first 5 min of ischemia. All the drugs decreased the number of leukocytes sticking to the venular wall; allopurinol, verapamil and adenosine reduced the increase in permeability, whereas phenidone and diltiazem were effective only during ischemia. In addition verapamil and adenosine preserved capillary blood flow during reperfusion. In conclusion, leukocyte sticking is correlated with increased microvascular permeability, but not with decreased perfusion of the capillary bed. These data suggest that leukocytes did not play a prominent role in the reduction of functional capillaries at the end of reperfusion.