Fig 9. Model for the molecular adhesion pathway altered with degradation.

Flow diagram illustrating how glycocalyx degradation interrupts the negative feedback loop regulating NF-κB activity. When the glycocalyx is degraded, NO levels are inhibited resulting in increased NF-κB activity. This results in the over-stimulation/activation of ECs evidenced by an increase in ICAM-1 and leukocyte adhesion.