Leucocyte Rheology at Baseline and after Activation in Post-Phlebitic Syndrome

Abstract

Objective:

To evaluate leucocyte rheology, expressed as leucocyte filtration, polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) membrane fluidity and cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration in subjects with post-phlebitic leg syndrome (PPS).

Methods:

In 22 subjects with PPS we determined leucocyte filtration [unfractionated, mononuclear (MN) and PMN cells], employing the St George Filtrometer, PMN membrane fluidity using the fluorescent probe 1-[4-(trimethylamino)phenyl]-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (TMA-DPH) and PMN cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration using the fluorescent probe Fura 2-AM. Subsequently we determined the same PMN parameters after in vitro activation with 4-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP).

Results:

At baseline we observed a difference in the filtration parameters of unfractionated and MN cells and an increase in PMN cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration. After activation, a significant variation in PMN filtration parameters was evident both in normals and in PPS subjects, although in subjects with PPS this variation, especially with PMA, was significantly greater. We found a decrease in PMN membrane fluidity and an increase in PMN cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration only in subjects with PPS.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that there is a functional alteration of systemic leucocytes in PPS, in which the mechanisms are not yet clear.