The Determination of Trace Proteins and Anti-Myelin Basic Protein Antibodies in the Cerebrospinal Fluid by Particle Counting Immunoassay

Abstract

Abstract By means of a new technique (Particle Counting Immunoassay), we have determined the level of ferritin, IgM and S-100 in samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with various neurological disorders. The concentration of ferritin is a useful index of the intensity of the inflammatory reaction and the extent of either the tissue damage or hemorrhage. Determination of IgM enables to follow the course of an immune response within the central nervous system (CNS). Local biosynthesis of this immunoglobulin is observed in 93% of patients with infectious meningo-encephalitis and 32% of patients with multiple sclerosis. S-100 was detected only in samples from patients with acute damage of the CNS, particularly in tumoral compression of the spinal cord, ischemic disorders, subarachnoidal bleeding and hematoma, and viral or suspected viral infections. By applying the PACIA technique to the determination of IgG antibodies, we failed to detect CSF antibodies against the myelin basic protein. Such determinations could allow to establish various CSF “profiles” corresponding to specific neurological disorders.