A search for protein abnormalities in erythrocyte membranes and platelets from patients with multiple sclerosis using...

Proteins from erythrocyte membranes and whole platelets from patients with definite multiple sclerosis (MS) and normal subjects were compared using a double-label two-dimensional procedure. No consistent differences were found in the proteins adherent or intrinsic to erythrocyte membranes. The results of initial studies with platelets showed the absence of a group of three protein spots in the electrophoretic gels of the MS specimens. Further experiments suggested that these results were probably due to minor differences in the handling of the MS and normal specimens although the possibility of a difference in protease activity was not completely eliminated.