A longitudinal study of immunological parameters in multiple sclerosis
Simon, J.; Mar, P.; Neu, I.; Kamm, S.; Schrader, A.
Der Nervenarzt 51(3): 176-182
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-2804 PMID: 7453878 Document Number: 164011
A group of 22 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) was compared by 7 immunological parameters with 19 healthy controls in a 12 mo. study with tests at approximately 4 wk intervals. Two important results emerged: some of the parameters studied showed individually differing dynamics; other parameters remained constant and possibly expressed a permanent defect or an aberration of specific immune mechanisms. Complement-binding (CB) cytotoxic glia antibodies as well as non-CB brain antibodies and the C3 (component complement 3) show dynamics reflecting the disease process. Compared with the healthy controls, 10 MS patients without exacerbations had significantly higher titers of glia-antibodies and increased concentrations of C3. The brain antibodies were lowered. In 12 MS patients with exacerbations, a decline in C3 shortly after the exacerbation began was observed, with a simultaneous increase in brain antibodies.