Astrocyte expression of mRNA encoding cytokines IP-10 and JE/MCP-1 in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Mononuclear leukocytes preferentially accumulate in the central nervous system (CNS) during the course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). To address factors that govern leukocyte trafficking in EAE, we monitored expression of mRNAs encoding IP-10 and JE/MCP-1, which are members of a family of chemoattractant cytokines. A transient burst of IP-10 and JE/MCP-1 mRNA accumulation in the CNS occurred, in close relation to the onset of histologic and clinical disease. In situ hybridizations showed, unexpectedly, that astrocytes were the major source of mRNAs encoding IP-10 and JE/MCP-1. These observations implicate astrocyte-derived cytokines as potential chemoattractants for inflammatory cells during EAE.