Membrane tether formation by rolling neutrophils on E-selectin

Leukocyte rolling is a dynamic process which allows leukocytes to survey the endothelium for signs of inflammation that can activate them and cause firm adhesion and transendothelial migration. Utilizing a parallel plate flow assay in combination with high speed/high resolution video microscopy, we recently have been able to visualize directly the formation of elongated membrane tethers (2-35 μm in length) by neutrophils as they rolled on P-selectin or platelet coated surfaces (1). In this study we demonstrate that identical membrane tethers are formed by neutrophils as they roll on E-selectin.