Binding of Heparin to Human Leukocytes

SummaryNon-anticoagulant actions of heparins and related sulfated polysaccharides in thrombosis, atherosclerosis and inflammation are currently under investigation. To analyze the involvement of leukocytes in this mechanism, a fluorescein labeled low molecular mass heparin-tyramine has been prepared (LMMH-tyr-Fitc) to investigate the binding of heparin and other sulfated polysaccharides to granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes. The fluorescence intensity on leukocytes was quantified using flow cytometry as detection method. LMMH-tyr-Fitc bound dose-dependently to all three leukocyte populations. Phycoerythrin…