[The effect of lymphocytapheresis on multiple sclerosis]

We studied the effect of lymphocytapheresis (LCP) on the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) clinical score, lymphocyte subsets and Interleukin-2 (IL-2) production by peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBM) in 5 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The EDSS clinical score significantly decreased after LCPs (p < 0.05). PBM IL-2 production and CD 4/8 ratio significantly decreased (p < 0.05, p < 0.05), and the number of neutrocytes and CD 11 b+CD 8+ (%) significantly increased immediately after LCP (p < 0.05, p < 0.05). Down-regulation of PBM IL-2 production and CD 4/8 ratio and up-regulation of CD 11 b+CD 8+ may account for therapeutic effect of LCP on MS. However, similar changes were observed in patients with CIDP and MG during immunoadsorbent therapy (IAT). It is possible that down-regulation of PBM IL-2 production and CD 4/8 ratio and up regulation of CD 11 b+CD 8+ and the number of neutrocytes may commonly result from apheresis therapy using extra-corporeal circulation.