Expression and clinical implication of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the intractable epilepsy with focal cortical dysplasias

Abstract

Objective To investigate the expression and clinical implication of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α),and its receptors p55 and p75 in the intractable epilepsy with focal cortical dysplasias (FCD).Methods The expression of TNF-α,p55 and p75 was detected by suing strept avidin-biotin complex (SABC) staining in epileptic foci of refractory epilepsy group (including 29 cases of FCD) and 10 cases of normal brain tissue ( control group).Results The expression of TNF-α,p55 and p75 in the control group was negative.The expression intensity of TNF-α,p55 and p75 in the FCD type Ⅲ was stronger than the FCD type Ⅱ,but there was no significant difference between type Ⅲ and type Ⅰ,and between type Ⅱand type Ⅰ.A small fraction of glial cells expressed TNF-α,p55 and p75 in the FCD type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ,but the majority of glial cells expressed them in the type Ⅲ.The expression of TNF-α,p55 and of p75 was detectable in both ectopic neurons and activated astrocytes of the medulla,and their expression in dysmorphic neurons (DNs) and balloon cells (BCs) in the FCD type Ⅱ was weaker than in other types of neurons.The expression intensity of TNF-α,p55 and p75 in BCs was significantly weaker that in DNs.Conclusion TNF-α through binding its receptors,p55 and p75,may be involved in the generation and development of epilepsy in the FCD. Key words: Focal cortical dysplasias; Epilepsy; Tumor necrosis factor-α; p55 receptor; p75 receptor