Inflammatory changes and immunological disturbances in stroke

: During recent years it has been demonstrated that activated leukocytes may play a role in disturbances of flow in microcirculation, such disturbances leading to the enlargement of the necrosis zone and area of ischaemic penumbra. Astrocytes, microglial and endothelium cells are also active in the evolution of ischaemic changes in brain. The above cells are producing cytokines, which upregulate the expression of adhesion molecules being responsible for accumulation of inflammatory cells in injured brain. Very significant is also the secretion of neurotoxic substances such as free radicals, nitric oxide or proteolytic enzymes by leukocytes and glial cells. Pre-stroke infection may increase activation of leukocytes and enhance inflammatory process in ischaemic focus. This paper discusses also the results of a treatment of the experimental brain stroke using therapy which reduces inflammatory and immunological response.