Increased expression of adhesion molecule CD18 (LFA-1β) 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 expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules CD54, CD11a, CD11b and CD18 in peripheral blood were measured within 12 h after onset of ischemia in 20 patients with stroke. Follow-up measurements were performed at 7 and 30 days after ictus. RESULTS: CD18 immunofluorescence was significantly 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 normal results as found in the control group. CONCLUSION: Our data support the idea that adhesion molecules are involved in tissue injury in ischemic stroke.