Activation of Cytotoxic Natural Killer Cells after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage

Abstract Objective Cell-mediated inflammation is critical in development of cerebrovascular complications after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH). We analysed the course for activated CD16bright CD56dim cytotoxic NKCSF cells (NK) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 15 patients. Methods Patients were classified by occurrence of cerebral vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia. NK were monitored by flow cytometry between day 1 and 14 after haemorrhage. Results 12 (80%) patients developed CV with a mean day of detection at 3.9±1.6. In those cell count for NK increased from 1.40±1.42 cells/μl on day 1 to a peak of 11.66±11.56 cells/μl on day 6.1±2.9 (p=0.001). An increase of mean CBFV in TCD from 71.33±12.93 cm/sec. to 166.20±20.19 cm/sec. (p