The inhibitory effect of mannose-containing oligosaccharides on model carbohydrate ligand interaction with E-, P- and L-selectins in vitro, as well as on the ability of these compounds to block the leukocyte extravasation in rat and mouse peritonitis in vivo was studied. The monomeric and polymeric compounds, 4-nitrophenylthiomannoside, phenylmannoside, conjugated with polyacrylic acid, and alpha-mannose, conjugated with polyacrylamide, inhibited the binding of the model ligand to P- and L-selectins (but not to E-selectin). Intravenous injection of these compounds was found to cause a dose-dependent reduction of neutrophil accumulation in rat peritoneum. The polysaccharide mannan was inactive in both types of experiments. The conjugate of phenylmannoside with polyacrylic acid was the most effective blocker as in vitro experiments, as well as in vivo. The inhibitory effect of subcutaneous injection of 4-nitrophenylthiomannoside on mouse peritonitis was demonstrated.