Background: Early inflammation has been suggested as an important factor contributing to unfavorable prognosis after acute ischemic stroke. The present study aimed to clarify the temporal dynamics of discrete inflammatory markers/mediators for future mechanism-targeting anti-inflammatory strategies in ischemic brain damage. Methods: Blood samples of 69 patients with transient ischemic attack or ischemic stroke were taken upon admission and at time points 6, 12 and 24 h, as well as 3 and 7 days after symptom onset for analysis of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP) and the brain damage marker S100B. Clinical scores (modified Rankin Scale, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale) were assessed on day 90. Results: MCP-1, MMP-9, TIMP-1, IL-6, CRP and S100B showed significantly different time courses depending on stroke outcome. While the levels of IL-6, MCP-1 and MMP-9 increased already a few hours after symptom onset, CRP and S100B gradually rose commencing at 12-24 h. TIMP-1 demonstrated an extended plateau. By multiple linear regression analysis IL-6, MCP-1, TIMP-1 and S100B were determined to be independently related to clinical outcome scores at specific time points. Conclusions: Our data show important differences in the early time course of several potential markers for the complex network of inflammation and brain damage after ischemic stroke depending on stroke outcome. This must be considered for any therapeutical approach using anti-inflammatory treatment. Copyright (c) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel