Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Isolation and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Immune Cells from the Ischemic Mouse Brain
Published on: February 12, 2016
Cellular immunodepression preceding infectious complications after acute ischemic stroke in humans
Karl Georg Haeusler1, Wolf U H Schmidt, Fabian Föhring
1Berlin Neuroimaging Center and Department of Neurology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany. georg.haeusler@charite.de
Background:
We have recently shown that ischemic stroke causes a stress-mediator-induced long-lasting immunodepressive state in mice.
Methods:
Using head magnetic resonance imaging and standardized immunoassays, we prospectively investigated whether poststroke immunodepression is also seen in humans.
Results:
Compared to healthy volunteers (n = 30), a rapid depression of lymphocyte counts and a functional deactivation of monocytes and T helper type 1 cells was observed in acute stroke patients (SP; n = 40). Immunodepression was more pronounced in patients with severe clinical deficit or large infarction. On admission the combination of monocytic tumor necrosis factor alpha release ex vivo and the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score were the best predictors for nosocomial infection, preferentially affecting older SP.
Conclusion:
Our data provide evidence for an immediate suppression of cell-mediated immune responses after ischemic stroke in humans.
Related Concept Videos
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Cellular Injury IlI: Cellular Death
Myocarditis I: Introduction

