Influence of mast cells on leukocyte-independent plasma extravasation during endotoxemia

Endotoxemia is characterized by increased microvascular permeability. Endothelial factors and mast cell activation seems to promote microvascular permeability independently from leukocyte adherence [1]. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of mast cells on leukocyte-independent microvascular permeability changes. Therefore, microvascular permeability was determined during endotoxemia after inhibition of the L-selectin mediated leukocyte-endothelium interaction by fucoidin. Mast cells were either degranulated with compound 48/80 (CMP48/80) prior to the experiment or pre-treated with the mast cell stabilizing agent cromolyn.