Expression of an activated form of integrin beta2 chain CD18 in cardiac surgical operations.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Myeloid cells are extensively activated in patients undergoing cardiosurgical operations. It is supposed that this activation is more profound in patients operated with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) ("on-pump") in comparison with patients operated without CPB ("off-pump"). AIMS: To evaluate changes in the expression of a novel activation marker expressed on myeloid cells recognized by MEM-148 antibody. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression of MEM-148 positive myeloid cells was evaluated by flow cytometry in 40 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) randomly assigned to "on-pump" or "off-pump" technique. RESULTS: The relative and absolute number of MEM-148 positive myeloid cells is significantly diminished during "on-pump" surgery. A significant increase in their number in postoperative period in both "on-pump" and "off-pump" patients was found. There were no significant differencies between "on-pump" and "off-pump" patients. CONCLUSIONS: The very trauma of surgery seems to be more relevant in starting on activation of myeloid cells them CPB itself.