Figure 3.

Physiological role of different types of adhesion molecules. Selectins are mainly involved in leucocyte rolling on the endothelial wall. Integrins—for example, LFA-1—yield a much stronger interaction, which eventually leads to transendothelial migration. Endothelium derived NO plays another important role in mediating endothelial function. Its production by NOS from L-arginine leads to smooth muscle relaxation. cNOS, constitutive nitric oxide synthase; ICAM, intracellular adhesion molecule; LFA, lymphocyte function associated antigen; NO, nitric oxide; PECAM, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule.