Neutrophil Activation in Experimental Venous Hypertension

Objective:To investigate the white cell trapping hypothesis of venous ulceration by measuring plasma lactoferrin as a marker of neutrophil degranulation in normal volunteers in two experimental models of venous hypertension.Design:A prospective study of volunteers with no history or clinical evidence of venous disease.Setting:The Middlesex Hospital Vascular Laboratory, Mortimer Street, London WIN 8AA, UK.Patients:Volunteers within the Middlesex Hospital Vascular Laboratory with no history or clinical findings of venous or arterial disease, no other systemic disease, on no medication known to alter white cell activity, and with no recent infection.Interventions:Venous blood was taken from cannulae in both feet and the right arm for a neutrophil count and Plasma lactoferrin, measured using an ELISA, during application of a tourniquet to 80 mmHG for 30 min to the right leg while supine, 5 min after release of tourniquet, and then during a 30 min period of standing.Results:During application of a tourniquet t...