Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Quantitative Measurement of Intrathecally Synthesized Proteins in Mice
08:23

Quantitative Measurement of Intrathecally Synthesized Proteins in Mice

Published on: November 29, 2019

11.1K

Intrathecal IgM Synthesis Is Associated with Spinal Cord Manifestation and Neuronal Injury in Early MS

Johanna Oechtering1,2, Therese Lincke3, Sabine Schaedelin2,4

  • 1Neurology Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.

Annals of Neurology
|March 16, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Intrathecal IgM synthesis is linked to spinal cord lesions and increased neuroaxonal damage in early multiple sclerosis (MS). This suggests a distinct MS phenotype associated with spinal involvement and heightened disease progression.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Intrathecal Immunoglobulin M synthesis (IgMIF+) and spinal MRI lesions are key indicators of multiple sclerosis (MS) activity and severity.
  • Understanding the relationship between IgM synthesis and spinal pathology is crucial for early MS management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between intrathecal IgM synthesis (IgMIF+) and spinal cord manifestations in early MS.
  • To determine if IgMIF+ correlates with increased neuroaxonal damage, as measured by serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL).

Main Methods:

  • 122 patients with a first demyelinating event were analyzed.
  • Logistic regression examined associations between spinal syndromes/lesions and IgMIF+.
  • Robust linear regression assessed sNfL levels across categories defined by oligoclonal IgG bands (OCGB), IgGIF, and IgMIF.

Main Results:

  • Spinal syndromes were linked to an 8.36-fold higher odds of IgMIF+.
  • Each spinal T2w and contrast-enhancing lesion increased the risk of IgMIF+, unlike cerebral lesions.
  • The OCGB+/IgGIF+/IgMIF+ group exhibited the highest sNfL levels, indicating significant neuroaxonal damage.

Conclusions:

  • Intrathecal IgM synthesis is strongly associated with spinal MS manifestations.
  • IgMIF+ is an independent predictor of greater neuroaxonal injury in early MS.
  • These findings suggest a distinct clinical phenotype and pathophysiology in MS patients with intrathecal IgM synthesis and spinal involvement.

More Related Videos

Isolating Central Nervous System Tissues and Associated Meninges for the Downstream Analysis of Immune cells09:35

Isolating Central Nervous System Tissues and Associated Meninges for the Downstream Analysis of Immune cells

Published on: May 19, 2020

9.8K
Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Pathway Linking Obesity to Autoimmune Inflammation in Multiple Sclerosis08:17

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Pathway Linking Obesity to Autoimmune Inflammation in Multiple Sclerosis

Published on: February 23, 2024

4.7K

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction01:19

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology01:25

Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology

Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...