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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
Quantitative Measurement of Intrathecally Synthesized Proteins in Mice
Published on: November 29, 2019
C3c intrathecal synthesis evaluation in patients with multiple sclerosis
Bárbara Padilla-Docal1, Alberto J Dorta-Contreras, Hermes Fundora-Hernández
1Laboratorio Central de Líquido Cefalorraquídeo, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas Dr. Miguel Enriquez, Instituto Superior de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana, CP 11000 Havana City, Cuba. barbara.padilla@infomed.sod.cu
Introduction:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory and progressive disease of the central nervous system in which local inflammatory injuries of the brain white matter appears, being the most outstanding feature the myeline loss (demyelination).
Objective:
To determine if the complement system might be involved in the MS immunopathogeny favouring the mechanism intervening in the myelin destruction.
Method:
Samples of sera and CSF from twelve patients with a diagnosis of MS obtained at the moment of the admission to the hospital at the beginning of the break out, were collected. Levels of C3c and albumin in sera and in CSF were quantified using radial immunodiffusion plates.
Results:
High values over 80% of intrathecal synthesis were obtained except in one of the patients.
Conclusion:
Intrathecal synthesis of C3c and its liberation to the CSF means that the activation of the complement system in any of the two ways has taken place, and that once performed its biological functions, has suffered a degradation process.
Insights
The complement system is activated in multiple sclerosis (MS), with intrathecal synthesis of C3c indicating its involvement in myelin destruction. This suggests the complement system plays a role in MS immunopathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Central Nervous System Disorders
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive central nervous system disease characterized by inflammation and myelin loss (demyelination).
- The precise mechanisms driving MS immunopathogenesis, particularly myelin destruction, require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential involvement of the complement system in the immunopathogenesis of MS.
- To determine if complement system activation contributes to myelin destruction in MS patients.
Main Methods:
- Collected sera and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from twelve MS patients at hospital admission.
- Quantified levels of C3c and albumin in sera and CSF using radial immunodiffusion.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated high levels (over 80%) of intrathecal C3c synthesis in most MS patients.
- Observed degradation of C3c within the CSF, suggesting complement system activation and subsequent breakdown.
Conclusions:
- Intrathecal synthesis and liberation of C3c into the CSF indicate complement system activation in MS.
- The findings support the role of the complement system in the immunopathogenesis of MS, potentially contributing to demyelination.
