Kubes, PaulHwang, John Muen2005-08-162005-08-162004http://hdl.handle.net/1880/41619Bibliography: p. 105-120Some pages are in colour.Contact sensitivity is an inflammatory disorder characterized by leukocyte recruitment. We used intravital microscopy to directly visualize leukocyte rolling and adhesion. By blocking specific adhesion molecules, we elucidated the molecular mechanisms mediating early leukocyte recruitment to be E- and P-selectin and then demonstrated that leukocyte recruitment in the late phase had a different adhesive profile (mainly a4- integrin). Complete blockade of E- and P-selectin within the first 2 hours of leukocyte­endothelial cell interactions eliminated selectin-independent leukocyte recruitment at 24 hours. Specific elimination of CD4, lymphocytes in the early phase eliminated the late response. Addition of these same CD4+ lymphocytes two hours after antigen challenge was too late for these cells to home to the skin. We further established that mast cells act to modulate the T-lymphocyte response in CS. In the absence of mast cells, T1-1l cells preferentially adhere to vascular endothelium, whereas T112 cells preferentially adhere in wild-type mice.x, 120 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.master thesis10.11575/PRISM/16049