Fas (APO-1/CD95) in inflammatory CNS diseases: intrathecal release in bacterial meningitis

Release of Fas (APO-1, CD95), a type L-membrane protein which plays a cruci al role in cytokine-mediated apoptosis was investigated in bacterial mening itis, viral meningoencephalitis and multiple sclerosis in vivo. After corre ction for bloodbrain-CSF-disruption, significantly increased intrathecal re lease of Fas was demonstrated exclusively in bacterial meningitis arguing f or an apoptotic cell death of granulocytes in the subarachnoidal space aime d to self-limit inflammatory host response. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. AU rights reserved.