Hypoxic erythrocytes spark lung leukocyte adhesion.
Erythrocytes are generally expected to passively transit microvascular beds, carrying oxygen but not delivering ROS. In contrast, Kiefmann and colleagues report in this issue of Blood that, in hypoxic lungs, erythrocytes release ROS, activate endothelium, and trigger leukocyte accumulation.
Zimmerman
Guy A
GA
University of Utah, USA.