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CSF lymphocyte subsets in aseptic meningitis: dual-labelling analysis with flow cytometry
T Uchihara1, M Ikeda, H Takahashi
1Department of Neurology, Asahi General Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis reveals increased T cells, including helper-inducer and cytotoxic-T cells, in patients with aseptic meningitis, indicating an active central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory process.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Flow Cytometry
- Cellular Immunology
Background:
- Central nervous system (CNS) inflammation, such as aseptic meningitis, involves complex immune responses.
- Characterizing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lymphocytes is crucial for understanding CNS inflammatory conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phenotypes of lymphocytes in the CSF compared to peripheral blood (PB) in patients with acute aseptic meningitis.
- To identify specific lymphocyte subsets that may indicate active inflammation within the CNS.
Main Methods:
- Paired CSF and PB samples from 19 patients with acute aseptic meningitis were analyzed.
- Dual labeling flow cytometry was employed to quantify lymphocyte populations.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher percentages of CD3+ (T cells), CD4+ (helper-inducer), Leu3a+ Leu15- (cytotoxic-T), and HLA-DR+ CD3+ (activated-T) cells were found in CSF compared to PB.
- Conversely, CSF showed significantly lower percentages of CD19+ (B cells), Leu2a+ Leu18+ (suppressor-inducer), and HLA-DR+ CD3- cells than PB.
Conclusions:
- The observed relative increases in helper-inducer, cytotoxic-T, and activated-T cells in CSF suggest an active inflammatory process in aseptic meningitis.
- Further research is needed to determine if these cellular changes are specific or pathognomonic to particular diseases.