Role of early reperfusion in the induction of adhesion molecules and cytokines in previously ischemic myocardium

Our studies in vitro demonstrate that neutrophil mediated injury of isolated cardiac myocytes requires the presence of ICAM-1 on the surface of the myocyte and CD11b/CD18 activation on the neutrophil. In post-ischemic cardiac lymph, there is rapid appearance of C5a activity during the first hours of reperfusion. Interleukin-6 activity is present throughout the first 72 h of reperfusion and is sufficient to induce ICAM-1 on the surface of the cardiac myocyte. In situ hybridization studies suggest that ICAM-1 mRNA is found in viable myocardial cells on the edge of the myocardial infarction within 1 h of reperfusion. ICAM-1 protein expression on cardiac myocytes is seen after 6 h of reperfusion, and increases thereafter. Non-ischemic tissue demonstrates no early induction of ICAM-1 mRNA or ICAM-1 protein on myocardial cells. In our most recent experiments, we have determined that reperfusion is an absolute requirement for the early induction of myocardial ICAM-1 mRNA in previously ischemic myocardial cells. To further assess this, we have cloned and sequenced a canine interleukin-6 (IL-6) cDNA. The data suggest that early induction of IL-6 mRNA is also reperfusion dependent as it could be demonstrated in the same ischemic and reperfused segments in which ICAM-1 mRNA was found. Peak expression of IL-6 mRNA occurred much earlier than that for ICAM-1 mRNA. Similar experiments were then performed with a molecular probe for interleukin-8 (IL-8). This chemokine is a potent neutrophil stimulant and has a higher degree of specificity for neutrophils than classic chemoattractants such as C5a. The results suggest a similar pattern of induction that occurs within the first hour and is markedly, increased by reperfusion. The relationship of reperfusion to ICAM-1 and cytokine induction is discussed.