Critical Role of the α4 Integrin/VCAM-1 Pathway in Cerebral Leukocyte Trafficking in Lupus-Prone MRL/ fas lpr Mice

Abstract MRL/faslpr mice are affected by a systemic autoimmune disease that results in leukocyte recruitment to a wide range of vascular beds, including the cerebral microvasculature. The mechanisms responsible for the leukocyte trafficking to the brain in these animals are not known. Therefore, the aim of this study was to directly examine the cerebral microvasculature in MRL/faslpr mice and determine the molecular mechanisms responsible for this leukocyte recruitment. Intravital microscopy was used to assess leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions (rolling, adhesion) in the pial microcirculation of MRL+/+ (control) and MRL/faslpr mice at 8, 12, and 16 wk of age. Leukocyte rolling and adhesion were rarely observed in MRL+/+ mice of any age. MRL/faslpr mice displayed similar results at 8 and 12 wk. However, at 16 wk, significant increases in leukocyte rolling and adhesion were observed in these mice. Histological analysis revealed that the interacting cells were exclusively mononuclear. Leukocyte rolling was reduced, but not eliminated in P-selectin−/−-MRL/faslpr mice. However, leukocyte adhesion was not reduced in these mice, indicating that P-selectin-dependent rolling was not required for leukocyte recruitment to the cerebral vasculature in this model of systemic inflammation. E-selectin blockade also had no effect on leukocyte rolling. In contrast, blockade of either the α4 integrin or VCAM-1 eliminated P-selectin-independent leukocyte rolling. α4 Integrin blockade also significantly inhibited leukocyte adhesion. These studies demonstrate that the systemic inflammatory response that affects MRL/faslpr mice results in leukocyte rolling and adhesion in the cerebral microcirculation, and that the α4 integrin/VCAM-1 pathway plays a central role in mediating these interactions.