Soluble and cell surface ICAM-1 as markers for disease activity in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Objective ‐ The intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) is a member of the Ig supergene family. ICAM‐1 is expressed on various cells like peripheral blood lymphocytes, endothelial cells or thymic cells and the cell surface form is supposed to be shed into a soluble form. The expression of ICAM‐1 is induced by cytokines like Interleukin‐1, TNF alpha or interferon gamma. The aim of the study was to investigate whether changes of cell surface and soluble ICAM‐1 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood are indicative for disease activity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Material and methods ‐ In all patients with relapsing‐remitting MS (relapse: n=31, remission: n= 11) and controls (n= 13) the expression of cell surface ICAM‐1 (c‐ICAM‐1) was determined by two colour flow cytometry. Soluble ICAM‐1 (s‐ICAM‐1) was measured by ELISA. Follow‐up examinations were done 3 months later. Results ‐ In 31 patients with a current relapse we found significantly decreased expression levels of c‐ICAM‐1 on leukocytes in CSF (PPPn= ll) with remission lasting longer than 3 months (n=28) we detected stable c‐ICAM‐1 expression on CD3 ⁺ T cells in blood. Conclusion ‐ Our results demonstrate for the first time that c‐ICAM‐1 on CD3 ⁺ T‐cells in CSF and blood is an activity marker in MS.