Description
Plasma Selectin (P-selectin) is a cell adhesion molecule (CAM) found in granules in endothelial cells (cells lining blood vessels) and activated platelets. P-Selectin is expressed on activated endothelium and platelets where it can bind monocytes, neutrophils, stimulated T cells, and platelets.1 P-selectin plays an essential role in the initial recruitment of leukocytes (white blood cells) to the site of injury during inflammation. When endothelial cells are activated by molecules such as histamine or thrombin during inflammation, P-selectin moves from an internal cell location to the endothelial cell surface. Thrombin is one trigger which can stimulate endothelial-cell release of P-selectin and recent studies suggest an additional Ca2+-independent pathway involved in release of P-selectin.2 P-selectin-mediated adhesion is an important factor in the development of early atherosclerotic lesions.1