Selectins: a new approach to curbing reperfusion injury & restenosis

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A new approach to preserving myocyte and endothelial cell function is under investigation. The targets are L- and P-selectin; 2 selectins that have a crucial role in cell adhesion. Preliminary studies have shown that monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against either of these selectins can reduce myocardial damage. Furthermore, trials have shown that sialyl Lewis oligosaccharide can protect the heart by blocking the activity of both of these selectins. A discussion of this new therapeutic approach took place at IBC’s 4th Annual Conference on Cell Adhesion Molecules [ San Francisco, US; May 1995 ].