PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - S. Misawa
AU  - S. Kuwabara
AU  - M. Mori
AU  - N. Kawaguchi
AU  - Y. Yoshiyama
AU  - T. Hattori
TI  - Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor–α in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
AID  - 10.1212/WNL.56.5.666
DP  - 2001 Mar 13
TA  - Neurology
PG  - 666--669
VI  - 56
IP  - 5
4099  - http://n.neurology.org/content/56/5/666.short
4100  - http://n.neurology.org/content/56/5/666.full
SO  - Neurology2001 Mar 13; 56
AB  - Background: Activated macrophages and T lymphocytes may play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Both cell types secrete tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), which has toxic effects on myelin and endothelial cells. Methods: The serum concentration of TNFα was measured by ELISA and compared with clinical and electrophysiological profiles in 20 patients with CIDP. Results: An increased serum level of TNFα was detected in 5 (25%) patients and was associated with subacute progression, severe neurologic disabilities, and symmetric weakness involving proximal as well as distal muscles. TNFα levels increased during the active phase in this subgroup of patients. The levels of TNFα correlated with the severity of demyelinating conduction abnormalities in the intermediate as well as distal nerve segments, suggesting demyelination diffusely distributed along the nerves. Conclusion: Circulating TNFα increases during the active phase in a subgroup of CIDP patients and may play a role in the pathogenesis of demyelination and the breakdown of the blood–nerve barrier in CIDP.