EFFECT OF ENCEPHALITOGENIC PROTEIN ON MIGRATION IN AGAROSE OF LEUKOCYTES FROM PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Abstract
The literature on in vitro tests of sensitivity to brain antigen in multiple sclerosis [MS] is summarized. A study is presented using leukocyte migration in agarose as a test system and a wide concentration range of bovine encephalitogenic protein used as antigen. Definite reactivity was seen in 12 out of 28 patients with MS. Some occurred in patients who had had no signs of disease activity for at least 5 yr. Reactivity occurred more often in patients with active disease studied within 5 days after a relapse. The significance of the in vitro reactivity is discussed.