|
Leukocyte Rheology and Vascular Disease |
Diabetes mellitus (DM) patients suffer infectious complications and accelerated atherosclerosis. Recent studies link altered leukocyte function with these inflammation dependent processes. Understanding the mechanisms of altered leukocyte biology in DM may suggest preventative and therapeutic strategies. We are currently testing the hypothesis that hemorheological disturbances impair leukocyte function in DM. We examine passive neutrophils and lymphocytes from DM and non-DM patients, and determine their activation status and cortical tension to cellular viscosity ratios. To complete these studies leukocytes are isolated using differential density gradients. Cells are placed in 1:1 HBSS:plasma solution, and nuclei bisbenzimidazole stained. Leukocytes (lymphocytes/neutrophils) are individually aspirated into a micropipette. The deformed cell is rapidly expelled and allowed to recover its original shape. The dimensions of the cell membrane and its nucleus are monitored with a fluorescent microscope and image analysis equipment. From these dimensions, the viscosity, elasticity, and cortical tension are determined. This system can sensitively determine single leukocyte biomechanical properties.
|
