Expression levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 were significantly increased in vehicle-treated NMO rats, while expression of these markers was significantly reduced in the C16 and Tie2 KI + C16, but not the LY294002 + C16, groups (Figures 11A, B, D). Here, CXCL8 is linked to neuromyelitis optica.