Role of leucocytes in microvascular malperfusion in reperfused acute myocardial infarction

Abstract

The mechanisms underlying myocardial malperfusion following restoration of epicardial coronary blood flow are likely to be multifactorial. Generation of excessive oxygen-free radicals, increased myocardial cell calcium, cellular and interstitial edema, endothelial dysfunction, vasoconstrictors, and thromboembolism have been proposed to account for impaired myocardial perfusion. Leucocytes are the most important cellular components, which promote procoagulant milieu at the microvascular level during acute myocardial infarction. In this review, crucial role and effecting mechanisms of the leucocytes in coronary microvascular malperfusion were discussed.