Annales françaises d'anesthèsie et de rèanimation
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Ann Fr Anesth Reanim · Oct 2003
Review[Activation of adhesion molecules in patients with septic shock].
To analyze the pattern of adhesion molecules in patients with septic shock. Data sources. - References obtained from Pubmed databank. ⋯ The endothelium has been identified as the central effector in the inflammatory response. Adhesion molecules are strongly involved in the inflammatory process by modulating the leukocyte trafficking. The most important adhesion molecules are the selectins (E-, L-, and P-selectins) and members of the immunoglobulin superfamily (intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1). Plasma levels of these molecules are increased in septic shock patients, which may be related to a marked activation of the endothelium. However, a dichotomous profile is observed between plasma and tissue expression. The inhibition of adhesive molecule actions could make it possible to control the inflammatory response.