IL16 and brain ischemia: IL-16 expression is upregulated after cerebral ischemia, causing a pro-inflammatory response, and is closely related to the anatomical location of cell death.IL-16 is a key inflammatory cytokine in ischemic injury, and in addition to its inflammatory and chemotactic effects, it induces further IL-16 expression through fibrin deposition (i.e., the initial thrombotic process).