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Increase of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in chronic sensory ataxic neuropathies
Author(s) -
Sanvito L,
Santuccio G,
Speciale L,
Sgandurra M,
Merlino L,
Ceresa L,
Ferrante P,
Nemni R
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of the peripheral nervous system
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1529-8027
pISSN - 1085-9489
DOI - 10.1111/j.1085-9489.2004.009209h.x
Subject(s) - cd8 , immunology , autoantibody , medicine , cd14 , cytokine , antibody , immune system , interleukin 10 , flow cytometry , cd3
Chronic sensory ataxic neuropathies (CSAN) are characterised by a predominant involvement of sensory large fibers. We previously demonstrated the presence of serum antibodies against neuropathy‐related antigens in about 50% of these patients. The aim of our study was to analyse peripheral T and B cell subsets and cytokine network in CSAN patients in order to evaluate their immunological profile. We studied 10 CSAN patients. ELISA test detected the presence of neuropathy‐related autoantibodies in 5 out of 10 patients. We evaluated, by flow cytometry, CD3+, CD3 + DRII+, CD4+, CD8+, CD16+ and CD19+ cells subset distribution, and intracellular IL2, INFg, IL1, IL6, IL10 and TNFa production by CD4+, CD8+ and CD14+ cells. Results were compared with healthy controls (HC); statistical analysis was performed. Compared to HC, CSAN patients showed no significant difference in lymphocyte subset distribution. We found a significant increase of IL6 in CD4+, CD8+ and CD14+ cells. INFg and TNFa were increased in CD4+ cells. TNFa was decreased in CD14+. Our results show an increase of pro‐inflammatory cytokines not associated with imbalance of T and B cells subsets. These data support an activation of the immune system in CSAN, as previously suggested by the detection of neuropathy‐related autoantibodies.