Endothelial cell glycocalyx modulates immobilization of leukocytes at the endothelial surface

Objective - A thick endothelial glycocalyx provides the endothelial surface with a nonadherent shield. Oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL) degrades the endothelial glycocalyx. We hypothesized that glycocalyx degradation stimulates leukocyte endothelial cell adhesion, whereas intravascular supplementation with sulfated polysaccharides reconstitutes the endothelial glycocalyx and attenuates Ox-LDL - induced leukocyte - endothelial cell adhesion. Methods and Results - Degradation of the endothelial glycocalyx by local microinjection of heparitinase ( 10 to 50 U/mL) into mouse cremaster venules dose-dependently increased the number of adherent leukocytes. Systemic administration of Ox-LDL (0.4 mg/100 g body weight) induced 10.1 +/- 0.9 adherent leukocytes/100 mum at 60 minutes. In the venules perfused with 500-kDa dextran sulfate ( 1 mg/mL), the number of adherent leukocytes at 60 minutes after Ox-LDL bolus application was not influenced ( 9.2 +/- 1.0 leukocytes/100 mum). However, the venules locally perfused with heparan sulfate ( 10 mg/mL) or heparin ( 1 mg/mL) displayed a significantly lower number of adherent leukocytes induced by Ox-LDL: 5.1 +/- 0.7 and 5.4 +/- 0.9 leukocytes/ 100 mum, respectively ( P < 0.05). Fluorescently labeled heparan sulfate and heparin, but not dextran sulfate, attached to the venule luminal surface after Ox-LDL administration. Conclusions - Endothelial glycocalyx degradation stimulates leukocyte immobilization at the endothelial surface. Circulating heparan sulfate and heparin attach to the venule wall and attenuate Ox-LDL - induced leukocyte immobilization.