Expression of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β in the brain during experimental Group B streptococcal meningitis

We performed mRNA in situ hybridization for TNF-alpha. and IL-1beta from infant rats with group B streptococcal meningitis. Induction of both cytokines was seen in the ependyma and the meninges at 4 h. Both cytokines were expressed in the brain parenchyma at 12 h. Induction of IL-1beta mRNA was seen in vessels within the brain cortex. Neutrophilic infiltrate at all time points examined was minimal and could not account for the observed cytokine expression. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.