Ultrastructural evidence of distinctive behavior of L-selectin and LFA-1 (alphaLbeta2 integrin) on lymphocytes adhering to the endothelial surface of high endothelial venules in peripheral lymph nodes.

Using an immunoelectron microscopic technique, we demonstrated the distinctive localization of L-selectin, alphaL and beta2 integrins (LFA-1) on lymphocytes adhering to high endothelial venules (HEVs) of peripheral lymph nodes. Immunogold staining clearly demonstrated the preferential localization of L-selectin on the faintly adherent microvilli to endothelial surfaces. Often, the particles of L-selectin were found around those microvilli with a dispersed distribution. Examination by antibody-coated latex beads showed that the localization of L-selectin was not restricted to the lymphocyte surface but also found on endothelial cells. These data suggest the molecular shedding from lymphocytes and its transfer to the HEV surface as the 'molecular footprints' of rolling cells. Concomitant with the dispersion of L-selectin, the gold particles of alphaL, and beta2 integrins showed significant capping and clustering images on the adherent border of lymphocytes. This redistribution of LFA-1 may be important for inducing the transition of the molecule into the active state to facilitate effective binding to its endothelial ligands. These morphological findings revealed the characteristic behavior of L-selectin and LFA-1 on lymphocytes, and they confirm their respective molecular roles in the current adhesion cascade model between lymphocytes and HEVs.