Transmigration of PBMNCs from β-IFN-lb-Treated MS Patients: a One-Year Longitudinal Study

Abstract

To evaluate the effects of in vivo β-TFN- 1 b treatment on transmigration of mononuclear cells, we monitored for one year in vitro mononuclear cells trafficking through HUVECs monolayers stratified over a collagen gel during β-IFN-1b treatment of 7 RR MS patients.

The number of transmigrated cells was anaJysed before treatment (TO) and after 3 (T3), 6 (T6) and 12 months (T I2); at the same time, levels of serum MMP-9 were quantified.

The number of transmigrated cells decreased during treatment compared to pre-treatment values: the lowest number of transmigrated cells was detected at T3, and , although transmi gration was still lower at Tl2, there was a trend to a return to pre-treatment levels over time.

The amount of MMP-9 also decreased during therapy, although we could not find an absolute correlati on between tra nsmigration and levels of MMP-9, nor between either parameter and the clinical course of patients.

Key Words:

• Multiple Sclerosis
• β-IFN
• Transmigration
• MMP-9