Effects of inhibition of PAF, ICAM-1, and PECAM-1 on gut barrier failure caused by intestinal ischemia and reperfusion.

BACKGROUND: The role of cell adhesion molecules and transmigration of PMNs through the endothelial barrier is probably essential in intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R)-induced gut barrier dysfunction. Although cytokines are released in I/R, it is unclear whether cytokines directly increase permeability or if this phenomenon requires both expression of cell adhesion molecules and PMN adhesion-activation. Endothelial barrier dysfunction plays an important role in the pathogenesis of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, inducing gut barrier failure, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential therapeutic value of inhibition of platelet activating factor (PAF), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) in gut barrier dysfunction induced by intestinal I/R. METHODS: A PAF antagonist (lexipafant, BB-882) and monoclonal antibodies against rat ICAM-1 (anti-ICAM-1-MAb) and