Interleukin-10 and Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptors in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Children with Bacterial Meningitis

The antiinflammatory mediators interleukin (IL)-10 and soluble tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptors p55 (sTNFR-55)and sTNFR-75 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 37 children with bacterial meningitis were studied. CSF concentrations of IL-lO, sTNFR-55, and sTNFR-75 and of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 were markedly elevated and were, with the exception of the sTNFRs, significantly higher in CSF than in serum. CSF concentrations of sTNFR55 and sTNFR-75 were only associated positivelywith IL-10 levels. CSF glucose levels correlated highly with levels of IL-10, sTNFR-55, and sTNFR-75 and weakly with TNF-α and IL-6. Cytokine levels in CSF decreased rapidly, while sTNFR levels remained elevated for at least 24 h.