Ependymal cells of the choroid plexus express tumour necrosis factor‐α1

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Abstract
Tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNFa) is a major proinflammatory cytokine which appears in the cerebrospinal fluid very early after endotoxin challenge, and is likely to be produced locally. Following in vivo and in vitro challenge with endotoxin, we have demonstrated immunocytochemically and by in situ hybridization that pig and guinea‐pig choroid plexus ependymal cells can produce TNFa. Immuno‐electron microscopy shows that this protein is localized within ependymal cells to the cytoplasm and microvilli. We suggest that this TNFa may be important in the initiation of the inflammatory response in bacterial meningitis.