Specific myeloid cell-TNF-knockout mice have been found to have larger infarct volumes and more severe neurological deficits than control mice.227,234 Removal of solTNF in mice reportedly alleviates the symptoms and pathology of cerebral ischemia, suggesting that elimination of solTNF and retention of tmTNF ameliorate cerebral ischemic injuries.235 Thus, different forms of TNF impact ischemic stroke, corroborating the important role of TNF in this disease. This evidence concerns the gene TNF and brain ischemia.