Antibodies to Myelin Basic Protein in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Antibodies of the IgG class directed against myelin basic protein (MBP) were detected by solid phase radioimmunoassay in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Comparison with controls at equivalent IgG concentrations indicated that the activity detected was due to antibody rather than to nonspecific adherence of IgG. Absorption and blocking studies showed that the reaction was antigen specific for MBP. Antibody was found more frequently in patients with active disease, and less often in patients in remission. There was no correlation with total CSF IgG or the presence of oligoclonal bands on electrophoresis. These findings support the occurrence of an autoimmune response in MS, though its role in pathogenesis of the disease remains obscure.