Abstract

In agreement with the close correlation between intrathecal IgG production and anti-MBP (myelin basic protein) and anti-MAG (myelin-associated glycoprotein) antibody activity in the CSF of active MS cases, and parallel to the reduction of intrathecal IgG synthesis resulting from corticosteroids medication, we have found a significant reduction of anti-MBP and anti-MAG antibody activity expressed per 0.5 micrograms of CSF IgG in the same group of 40 MS patients subjected to high-dose prednisone therapy. Every patient received 3980 mg of prednisone over 54 days. In native CSF of 30% (21/70) of active MS cases, circulating immune complexes (CIC) were detected by C1q binding solid-phase RIA. There was no correlation between CIC level in the CSF or MS patients and 1. IgG index which was used as an indicator of intrathecal IgG synthesis, or 2. CSF anti-MBP specific antibody activity, or 3. CSF anti-MAG specific antibody activity. High-dose prednisone therapy resulted in a highly significant reduction of the CSF CIC level. CIC were also found in the CSF of patients affected with various chronic diseases of the CNS.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call