INCREASED EXPRESSION OF ADHESION MOLECULE CD18 (LFA-1-BETA) ON THE LEUKOCYTES OF PERIPHERAL-BLOOD IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE

Objectives - The aim of this study was to investigate whether adhesion molecules play a role in acute ischemic stroke. Material and methods - Using immunofluorescence phenotyping and flow cytometry, the express ion of leukocyte adhesion molecules CD54, CD11a, CD11b and CD18 in per ipheral blood were measured within 12 h after onset of ischemia in 20 patients with stroke. Follow-up measurements were performed at 7 and 3 0 days after ictus. Results - CD18 immunofluorescence was significantl y increased on the leukocytes within 12 h after onset in patients with stroke compared with the age-matched control group (20 patients with other neurological diseases). Follow-up measurement of CD18 revealed n ormal results as found in the control group. Conclusion - Our data sup port the idea that adhesion molecules are involved in tissue injury in ischemic stroke.