Intravital Microscopy as a Tool for Studying Recruitment and Chemotaxis

Leukocyte recruitment is a hallmark feature of the inflammatory response, which involves a sequential series of molecular interaction between the leukocyte and endothelial cells. First, leukocytes in the mainstream of blood flow come into contact with the endothelium and they roll along the endothelial surface via a group of molecules termed the selectins (1 ). Next, rolling leukocytes are activated by pro-inflammatory molecules presented on the endothelial surface to firmly adhere to the endothelium via integrins. Once adherent, leukocytes emigrate out of the vasculature and respond to directional (chemotactic) stimuli that guide them to the inflammatory source (2 ).