Optic Neuritis and Multiple Sclerosis

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Abstract
On examination in the first weeks after onset of the disease, an antibody-dependent lymphocyte cytotoxicity (ADLC) against myelin basic protein (MBP) was demonstrated in 32 (71%) of 46 patients with ON[optic or retrobulbar neuritis]/only and in 8 of 10 patients with ON/MS [multiple sclerosis]. The findings were positive in 21 of 22 CSF samples. Intensities of the cytotoxicity in the serum and in the CSF were largely in agreement. No correlation was found between cytotoxicity in the CSF and Ig[immunoglobulin]G content. The ADLC against MBP is highly specific for MS. Only 5% of 200 patients with other neurological complaints had positive findings. Active disease phases in MS were positive in 94% of the cases according to earlier investigations. A positive ADLC against MBP in patients with ON/only is in all probability a first sign of MS.