title: Effect of high-dose methylprednisolone treatment on CCR5 expression on blood cells in MS exacerbation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Therapy of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis (MS) with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) has shortened the recovery period after relapses, but the mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects of IVMP in attacks have not been clearly established. Our purpose was to analyze the effect of IVMP on the expression of chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) protein in blood in acute MS exacerbation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Blood samples were collected from 10 patients with an acute MS exacerbation and the levels of CCR5 on CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells and CD14(+) monocytes were analyzed by using flow cytometry before IVMP, 24 h, 1 and 3 weeks after commencement of treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the 3-week period the percentages of CCR5-expressing CD4(+) T cells and CD8(+) T cells tended to decrease (P = 0.09 and 0.05, respectively), but the effect did not reach statistical significance. No marked changes were found in the percentage of CCR5-expressing CD14(+) cells.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A tendency to a reduction of CCR5-expressing CD4(+) and CD8(+) blood cells induced by IVMP suggests inhibition of their potential to transmigrate into the central nervous system, which is consistent with the short-term beneficial effect of IVMP in acute exacerbation of MS.
authors.affiliation: Neuroimmunology Unit, Medical School, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Elovaara
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kuusisto
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Paalavuo
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Särkijärvi
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lehtimäki
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Huhtala
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vilpo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D002465:Cell Movement; D002490:Central Nervous System; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019713:Receptors, CCR5 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D019713:Receptors, CCR5; D008775:Methylprednisolone