Hepatocyte growth factor levels in cerebrospinal fluid: A comparison between acute bacterial and nonbacterial meningitis

The organotrophic functions of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) have been the subject of several studies. In the more recent studies, this function has been reported in the brain. Ln the present study, we have measured the levels of HGF in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and sera from 78 patients divide d into 6 different groups according to central nervous system (CNS) infecti on and control. Quantitative measurements of HGF in the CSF and serum were performed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Elevated values of CSF H GF were found in the patients with acute bacterial/probable bacterial menin gitis (P < .001), compared with nonbacterial CNS infections and facial pals y, as well as with a control group without signs of CNS involvement. The va lues of CSF HGF were not correlated to blood-brain-barrier disruption in th e groups. These observations might indicate an intrathecal production of HG F in acute bacterial/probable bacterial meningitis.