The effect of levamisole on cellular immunity in multiple sclerosis
Dau, P.C.; Johnson, K.P.; Spitler, L.E.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology 26(2): 302-309
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-9104 PMID: 991460 Document Number: 104448
The lymphocyte stimulation test was standardized in a normal human population using 4 virus cell-associated antgens (VCAA): human embryonic lung cells infected with the LEC and Norrby strains of measles virus, mumps virus and vaccinia virus. Following 1 wk of treatment with the immunopotentiating drug levamisole, a group of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients had increased lymphocyte stimulation responses towards VCAA and increased delayed hypersensitivity responses towards a battery of skin test antigens rosettes occurred. Measles hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) antibody titers measured before and after the entire course of levamisole therapy (12 wk) did not change. The neurological status of 5 of 7 MS patients deteriorated while they were taking levamisole.