Homocysteine induces expressions of adhesive molecules on leukocytes in whole blood

Objective To observe whether homocysteine can directly alter the expressions of CD11b, CD18, CD14 and L-selectin on neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes in whole blood from healthy human subjects. Methods Leukocyte surface adhesive molecule expressions were analyzed by immunofluorescence flow cytometry. Results Homocysteine at the lowest concentration (20 mu mol/L) significantly increased surface adhesive molecule expressions of CD11b and CD18 on each cell type and CD14 on monocytes and neutrophils in whole blood. These effects were increased at homocysteine concentrations of 200 and 400 mu mol/L, but at concentrations greater than or equal to 1 mmol/L, CD11b/CD18 and CD14 expressions on all types of leukocytes were decreased. L-selectin expression was slightly decreased on all cell types in whole blood by homocysteine. Conclusion Homocysteine alters leukocyte expressions of CD11b/CD18, CD14 and L-selectin on leukocytes, which may be involved into homocysteine-induced leukocyte adhesion and migration.