Influence of measles virus antigen on leukocyte migration in multiple sclerosis and controls

The leukocyte migration inhibiton test was used in multiple sclerosis patients and in healthy controls for investigation of sensitization of blood lymphocytes against preparations of measles virus, mumps, NDV virus, and PPD. Regardless of antigen used, no significant differences were found between the groups. There was a strong correlation between the leukocyte migration inhibition obtained with measles virus antigen and with PPD. The leukocytes from MS patients as well as from healthy controls showed a significantly more pronounced inhibiton when a Tween 80 and ether-treated preparation of measles virus was used, compared with the whole measles virus antigen. No correlations were found between the degree of leukocyte migration inhibition and the antibody titers against different components of measles virus in individual samples.