Leukocyte CD15 expression and platelet activation in the coronary sinus after coronary intervention

Markers associated with coronary restenosis must be identified to develop therapeutic strategies for improving the clinical outcome. We studied whether adhesion proteins on leukocytes and platelets from coronary sinus blood were associated with restenosis after coronary intervention in patients with stable coronary artery disease. Adhesion proteins on platelets and leukocytes were measured by flow cytometry. Pre- and postinterventional leukocyte CD15 expression was significantly higher in patients with restenosis than in those without it. Increased leukocyte CD15 expression during the intervention may contribute to coronary restenosis. Inhibition of leukocyte adhesion may be useful for the prevention of restenosis.