[Expression of surface antigens on lymphocytes stimulated by non- specific mitogens in multiple sclerosis patients]

In studies performed on 30 MS cases, as compared to 16 healthy individuals, significantly higher expression of HLA class II antigens, interleukin 2 receptor and antigens specific for lymphocytes B was observed. In MS patients after stimulation by non specific mitogens increased expression of HLA class II antigens and increased proliferation induced by PMA was found. The obtained results suggest absence of any greater modulation of surface antigens on the lymphocytes stimulated by non-specific mitogens. Our observations indicate that the number of activated T cells, as assessed by expression of Il-2 receptor, is in MS patients relatively low.