Recombinant soluble P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 moderates local and remote injuries following experimental lower-torso ischaemia

Background: A central role for the polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) in skeletal muscle ischaemia–reperfusion has been demonstrated by the observation that PMN depletion reduced local and remote pulmonary vascular permeability. This study investigated the role of recombinant soluble P‐selectin glycoprotein ligand–immunoglobulin fusion protein (rPSGL‐Ig), a P‐ and E‐selectin antagonist, in moderating injury. Methods: Mice underwent 2 h of hindlimb ischaemia and 3 h of reperfusion. Muscle and lung vascular permeability index (PI) was assessed by extravasation of 125I‐radiolabelled albumin. Lung myelo peroxidase (MPO) activity was also measured. Results: In mice treated with rPSGL‐Ig 1 mg/kg before reperfusion (n = 12) muscle PI was reduced by 40 per cent, whereas it was moderated by 20 per cent in animals treated 30 min after reperfusion (n = 15). Lung PI in mice treated with rPSGL‐Ig before (n = 12) and 30 min after (n = 15) reperfusion was reduced by over 99 and 98 per cent respectively. Lung MPO activity in mice treated with rPSGL‐Ig before (n = 10) and 30 min after (n = 12) reperfusion was reduced by 68 and 58 per cent respectively. Treatment with rPSGL‐Ig 1 h after reperfusion, or with m20ek.Fc 1 mg/kg (n = 9; negative control for rPSGL‐Ig which is inactive for selectin binding) before reperfusion failed significantly to moderate local or remote organ injury. Conclusion: Selectin blockade moderated local skeletal muscle and remote lung injury following hindlimb ischaemia–reperfusion. Significantly, delayed antiselectin therapy also decreased injury. © 2001 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd