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Serum and CSF immunological findings in ALS
S Apostolski1, J Nikolić, C Bugarski-Prokopljević
1Department of Neurology, University Clinical Centre, Belgrade, Yugoslavia.
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|February 1, 1991
Summary
This study found immune system involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS patients showed altered serum IgG, complement C4, and immune complexes, suggesting a role for immune dysregulation in ALS pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease.
- The role of the immune system in ALS pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate immunological differences in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) between ALS patients and healthy controls.
- To explore potential immune system involvement in ALS.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of serum and CSF immunological markers in 37 ALS patients and normal controls.
- Measurement of immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgM, IgA), complement components (C3, C4, THC, Factor B), and immune complexes (ICs).
- Assessment of blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage and intrathecal IgG synthesis.
Main Results:
- ALS patients exhibited significantly higher mean serum IgG and C4 levels, and lower total hemolytic complement (THC) compared to controls.
- A significantly higher incidence of immune complexes (ICs) was observed in ALS patients' sera.
- Blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage was present in 46% of patients, with intrathecal IgG synthesis detected in 16%.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the hypothesis that immune system dysregulation plays a role in ALS.
- Elevated serum IgG, C4, and ICs, along with BBB damage and intrathecal IgG synthesis, indicate immune system involvement in ALS.