Direct leukocyte migration inhibition in multiple sclerosis--a possible assessment of activity

Twenty-four patients with multiple sclerosis were evaluated and classified according to their clinical state. Specific migration inhibition studies were carried out on blood samples from each using myelin basic protein, an acid soluble protein fraction isolated from normal human CNS white matter, and multiple sclerosis myelin basic protein isolated from patients who had the disease, as the antigenic material. This test system employed selected media. Results were compared with those of normal controls and patients with other neurological disease states. Antigen concentration of 500 mu g/ml in serum free medium combined to produce the greatest inhibiting effect on leukocytes in patients with apparent multiple sclerosis and differentiated these patients from those in the other groups tested. Leukocytes in patients who had probable multiple sclerosis with partial impairment, signifying possible current activity of the disease, were especially inhibited as compared to the leukocytes from other groups tested against myelin antigen. Cerebrospinal fluid from affected patients when used as a media enhanced the test. This study suggests that migration inhibition of peripheral leukocytes using myelin protein may be useful in the diagnosis of patients with multiple sclerosis. There is additional evidence that the degree of leukocyte migration inhibition may reflect activity of the disease with its consequent implications on treatment and prognosis.