Interferon-gamma-inducing factor (IL-18) and interferon-gamma in inflammatory CNS diseases.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the intrathecal production of a newly identified cytokine, interferon-gamma-inducing factor (IL-18), together with interferon-gamma itself, in inflammatory diseases of the CNS (i.e., bacterial meningitis, viral meningoencephalitis, and MS).


RESULTS
IL-18 concentrations in CSF were significantly increased in bacterial meningitis and tended toward increased levels in viral meningoencephalitis. In contrast, IL-18 was detectable only in a few patients with MS and healthy controls. Interestingly, interferon-gamma was significantly increased selectively in CSF of patients with viral meningoencephalitis.


CONCLUSIONS
The observation of an intrathecal release of IL-18 in patients with meningitis argues for a pathophysiologic role of this novel cytokine in immunity against invading microorganisms the CNS.
Fassbender
K
K
Department of Neurology, University of Heidelberg, Klinikum Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.
Mielke
O
O
Bertsch
T
T
Muehlhauser
F
F
Hennerici
M
M
Kurimoto
M
M
Rossol
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*; D020382:Interleukin-18 / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*; D008297:Male; D016920:Meningitis, Bacterial / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D008590:Meningoencephalitis / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000821:virology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid
D020382:Interleukin-18; D007371:Interferon-gamma