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Effect of high-dose (Steroid) Methylprednisolone treatment on CCR5 expression on (blood cells) in (MS Exacerbation) 08 February 2006

This study concerning steroids & blood cells was conducted at the
Neuroimmunology Unit, Medical School, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.

(Summary):
Therapy of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone inhibits the potential transmigration of CCR5-expressing CD4(+) and CD8(+) blood cells into the central nervous system. This is consistent with the short-term beneficial effect of IVMP in acute exacerbation of MS.

Objectives -
Therapy of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone has shortened the recovery period after relapses, but the mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects of intravenous methylprednisolone in attacks have not been clearly established.

Our purpose was to analyze the effect of IVMP on the expression of chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) protein in blood in acute MS exacerbation.

Materials and methods -
Blood samples were collected from 10 patients with an acute MS exacerbation and the levels of CCR5 on CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells and CD14(+) monocytes were analyzed by using flow cytometry before intravenous methylprednisolone, 24 h, 1 and 3 weeks after commencement of treatment.

Results -
During the 3-week period the percentages of CCR5-expressing CD4(+) T cells and CD8(+) T cells tended to decrease, but the effect did not reach statistical significance. No marked changes were found in the percentage of CCR5-expressing CD14(+) cells.

Conclusions -
A tendency to a reduction of CCR5-expressing CD4(+) and CD8(+) blood cells induced by intravenous methylprednisolone suggests inhibition of their potential to transmigrate into the central nervous system, which is consistent with the short-term beneficial effect of intravenous methylprednisolone in acute exacerbation of MS.

Source: pubmed.gov