SOLUBLE E-SELECTIN IN THE SERUM AND CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID OF PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS AND HUMAN T-LYMPHOTROPIC VIRUS TYPE 1-ASSOCIATED MYELOPATHY

To evaluate the activation of endothelial cells of the brain and the s pinal cord, we investigated the presence of soluble endothelial leukoc yte adhesion molecule-1 (sE-selectin) in the serum and cerebrospinal f luid (CSF) of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and those with hum an T-lymphotropic virus type 1-associated myelopathy (HAM), There were significantly higher levels of sE-selectin found in the serum of pati ents with relapsing-remitting MS during an exacerbation (p < 0.001) an d those with chronic progressive MS (p < 0.01) compared with controls. Serum levels of sE-selectin in patients with HAM did not differ signi ficantly from serum levels in controls or non-HAM carriers. We also fo und sE-selectin in the CSF of eight patients during an exacerbation of relapsing-remitting MS. These results suggest that an active immune r eaction involving E-selectin production that is indicative of endothel ial cell damage occurs in the CNS of patients during an exacerbation o f relapsing-remitting MS. Thus, sE-selectin may be useful in monitorin g disease activity in patients with relapsing-remitting MS.