Microbubble Persistence in the Microcirculation During Ischemia/Reperfusion and Inflammation Is Caused by Integrin- and Complement-Mediated Adherence to Activated Leukocytes

Abstract

Microvascular attachment of albumin and lipid microbubbles in the setting of I-R and TNF-alpha-induced inflammation is due to their beta(2)-integrin- and complement-mediated binding to activated leukocytes adherent to the venular wall. Thus, microbubble persistence on contrast ultrasonography may be useful for the detection and monitoring of leukocyte adhesion in inflammatory diseases.