p38 MAPK regulates ischemia-reperfusion-induced recruitment of leukocytes in the colon

Background. Our objective was to examine the role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced recruitment or leukocytes in the colon. Methods. C57/BI6 mice were subjected to 30 minutes of ischemia by clamping the superior mesenteric artery followed by 2 hours of reperfusion. Animals were pretreated with the selective p38 MAPK inhibitors SB 239063 and SKF 86002 before induction of I/R. Leukocyte-endothelium interactions were quantified by use of intravital fluorescence microscopy. Additionally, the role of p38 MAPK in most cell-generated tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) as well as neutrophil adhesion and P-selectin expression were examined in vitro. Results. SB 239063 and SKF 86002 decreased both I/R provoked leukocyte rolling and adhesion by > 75%. Inhibition of p38 MAPK decreased dose-dependently the mast cell generated TNF-alpha production as well as TNF-alpha-induced expression of P-selection and neutrophil adhesion on endothelial cells. Conclusion. We conclude that p38 MAPK regulates leukocyte rolling and adhesion in colonic I/R. Moreover, inhibition of p38 MAPK activity decreases formation of TNF-alpha and P-selection-dependent leukocyte attachment to activated endothelial cells. Thus, our findings suggest that interference with the p38 MAPK signaling pathway could be an effective strategy to protect against I/R-induced inflammation in the colon. (Surgery 2009;145:303-12.)