P-selectin and PSGL-1 are cell adhesion molecules, regulating the initial interactions
between leukocytes and the blood vessel wall as well as between activated platelets
and leukocytes. P-selectin is expressed on activated endothelial cells and platelets,
while its major ligand PSGL-1 is expressed on leukocytes. Multiple studies have shown
that these adhesion molecules are required for the normal recruitment of leukocytes
during an inflammatory reaction. More recently, these adhesion molecules have been
implicated in recruitment of leukocytes and leukocyte microparticles to thrombi. The
P-selectinand PSGL-1-dependent delivery of circulating microparticles to thrombi appears
to be important for normal tissue factor accumulation and fibrin generation in thrombi.
Keywords
Thrombosis - blood coagulation - P-selectin - PSGL-1 - leukocyte - microparticles
- tissue factor - fibrin