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Circulating L-selectin in multiple sclerosis patients with active, gadolinium-enhancing brain plaques
R Mössner1, K Fassbender, J Kühnen
1Department of Neurology, University of Heidelberg, Klinikum Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.
Journal of Neuroimmunology
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Soluble L-selectin (sL-selectin) levels are elevated in active multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, correlating with lesion size. This finding highlights L-selectin
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroimmunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Leukocyte migration to inflammatory sites is regulated by adhesion molecules.
- L-selectin mediates initial leukocyte-endothelial contact and is shed as a soluble receptor.
- Soluble L-selectin (sL-selectin) reflects early adhesive events in inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and significance of sL-selectin in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
- To compare sL-selectin levels in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and viral encephalitis versus controls.
- To assess the correlation between sL-selectin levels and inflammatory activity in MS.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of sL-selectin levels in serum and CSF.
- Analysis of sL-selectin in patients with active MS, viral encephalitis, and healthy controls.
- Correlation analysis between sL-selectin levels and MRI-detected lesion size in MS.
Main Results:
- MS patients with active, gadolinium-enhancing lesions showed significantly higher serum sL-selectin levels compared to controls.
- Serum sL-selectin levels in MS patients correlated with enhancing lesion size and CSF sL-selectin levels.
- Viral encephalitis patients exhibited elevated CSF sL-selectin, suggesting intrathecal origin.
Conclusions:
- The earliest L-selectin-mediated adhesive events are active in MS.
- sL-selectin serves as a valuable biomarker for quantifying inflammatory extent in MS.
- sL-selectin levels and localization may help differentiate inflammatory neurological conditions.