Decreased neutrophil L-selectin expression in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the expression of L-selectin is reduced in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) compared with control subjects, to test the effect of exudation of neutrophil L-selectin expression, and to measure soluble serum concentrations of shed L-selectin in the two groups.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Intensive care unit in a tertiary care hospital (Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal).


METHODS
Twenty-five patients with SIRS and 20 healthy, age-matched controls.


METHODS
Collection of exudate neutrophils from skin window and circulating neutrophils from venous blood.


METHODS
Neutrophil L-selectin levels, measured with the use of fluorocytometry, and soluble L-selectin levels, measured with the use of enzymelinked immunosorbent assay.


RESULTS
There is a significant reduction in L-selectin expression on circulating neutrophils in patients with SIRS, compared with control subjects. Exudation of neutrophils to an extravascular site resulted in a dramatic down-regulation of L-selectin in both groups. Serum levels of soluble L-selectin were higher in patients with SIRS than in control subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
The loss of L-selectin may be partly responsible for reduced neutrophil exudation to extravascular sites in patients with SIRS.
Ahmed
N A
NA
Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Que.
Christou
N V
NV
D005122:Exudates and Transudates / Q000166:cytology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019041:L-Selectin / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000378:metabolism*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012867:Skin; D018746:Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism
D019041:L-Selectin