IGG SYNTHESIS WITHIN THE BRAIN IN MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS AND SUB-ACUTE SCLEROSING PANENCEPHALITIS

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 35  (2) , 227-235
Abstract
Intracerebral Ig[immunoglobulin]G synthesis was measured in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) and in 2 control groups-patients with other neurological disorders and patients with non-neurological diseases. Significantly increased synthesis was found at all times in SSPE (P < 0.001). Significantly elevated values were found in MS (P < 0.001), but in this group increased values were found mainly during relapse. These findings emphasize the immunological component in SSPE where there is known to be persistent measles virus infection in the brain, and in MS where the etiology is unknown. Intracerebral IgG synthesis appears to be of diagnostic value in MS. The CSF IgG/total protein ratio was measured in MS, and correlated only moderately well with the calculated IgG synthesis, indicating that the ratio provides a cruder estimate of intracerebral IgG synthesis.