Cytokine expression and microglial activation in progressive supranuclear palsy

► We studied expression of cytokine mRNAs in brains of PSP vs. Alzheimer's disease. ► Higher expression of IL-1β in substantia nigra of brains from PSP patients. ► Higher expression of IL-1β in parietal cortex of brains from Alzheimer's patients. ► Higher expression of TGFβ in cortical areas of Alzheimer's patients. ► Correlated IL-1β expression, microglial activation and neurodegeneration.