BACKGROUND Polyphosphates (PolyPs) have been reported to exert pro-inflammatory effects. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating PolyP-provoked tissue accumulation of leukocytes are not known. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the role of specific adhesion molecules in PolyP-mediated leukocyte recruitment. METHODS PolyPs and TNF-α were intrascrotally administered, and anti-P-selectin, anti-E-selectin, anti-P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), anti-membrane-activated complex-1 (Mac-1), anti-lymphocyte function antigen-1 (LFA-1), and neutrophil depletion antibodies were injected intravenously or intraperitoneally. Intravital microscopy of the mouse cremaster microcirculation was used to examine leukocyte-endothelium interactions and recruitment in vivo. RESULTS Intrascrotal injection of PolyPs increased leukocyte accumulation. Depletion of neutrophils abolished PolyP-induced leukocyte-endothelium interactions, indicating that neutrophils were the main leukocyte subtype responding to PolyP challenge. Immunoneutralization of P-selectin and PSGL-1 abolished PolyP-provoked neutrophil rolling, adhesion, and emigration. Moreover, immunoneutralization of Mac-1 and LFA-1 had no impact on neutrophil rolling but markedly reduced neutrophil adhesion and emigration evoked by PolyPs. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that P-selectin and PSGL-1 exert important roles in PolyP-induced inflammatory cell recruitment by mediating neutrophil rolling. In addition, our data show that Mac-1 and LFA-1 are necessary for supporting PolyP-triggered firm adhesion of neutrophils to microvascular endothelium. These novel findings define specific molecules as potential targets for pharmacological intervention in PolyP-dependent inflammatory diseases.