High dose of intravenously given glucocorticosteroids decrease IL-8 production by monocytes in multiple sclerosis patients treated during relapse

J Neuroimmunol. 2006 Jul;176(1-2):134-40. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2006.03.024. Epub 2006 May 24.

Abstract

The aim of our study was to determine whether high doses of intravenous methylprednisolone have significant impact on immune parameters during the multiple sclerosis (MS) exacerbations. Peripheral blood of 32 MS patients was evaluated, using two-color flow cytometry before glucocorticosteroids and after 7 days from starting therapy. Significant increase of B cells, decrease of NK cells and monocytes producing IL-8 were observed after treatment. IL-8 is one of the cytokines responsible for blood-brain-barrier disruption and migration of immune cells to the central nervous system; in this aspect, explaining glucocorticosteroid effects during MS exacerbations.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Interleukin-6 / biosynthesis
  • Interleukin-8 / biosynthesis*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / physiology
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / administration & dosage*
  • Middle Aged
  • Monocytes / immunology*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology

Substances

  • Interleukin-6
  • Interleukin-8
  • Methylprednisolone