Endothelial cell interactions Cytokine-mediation

Thirdly, there are the selectins, a family of Ca Mependent carbohydrate-binding proteins which function to control leukocyte interactions with vascular endothelium (Tedder et al, 1995). There are three closely related members of the selectin family, namely L (leukocyte)-, P (platelet)-, and E (endothelial)-selectin. P-selectin is expressed in the Weibel-Palade bodies of endothelial cells and in the a-granules of platelets. It is rapidly mobilized to the sur ce of endothelial cells and platelets in response to a variety of inflammatory agents such as fiuombin, histamine, complement factors, fiee radicals and cytokines (Tedder et al, 1995). P-selectin mediates the adhesion of neutrophils and monocytes to activated platelets and endothelial cells. Platelets can be bound to the endothelium indirectly by adhering to leukocytes bound to the endothelium. 

Risk and protective factors of atherosclerosis influence VCAM-1 expression [10,19]. A possible relation between VC AM expression and oxidized LDL was established when an important component of this modified lipoprotein, lysophosphatidylcholine, was shown to stimulate VCAM expression and increase adhesion of monocytes on endothelium in cell cultures [10,18,19]. Modified LDL and its constituents augment c)4 okine-activated VCAM-1 expression in human vascular endothelial cells [10,20]. In contrast, HDL inhibits cytokine-induced expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules [10,21]. -3 Fatty acids have been found to decrease mRNA levels and surface expression of VCAM-1 in endothelial cells [10,22]. Aspirin inhibits induction of mRNA and cell surface expression of VCAM-1 by TNF-a and thereby inhibits monocyte adhesion on stimulated endothelial cells [10,23]. In contrast to ICAM-1, E-selectin, and P-selectin, endothelial VCAM-1 can mediate leukocyte adhesion via its sole interaction with the integrins 4P1 or 4P7 [10]. 

---