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Increased monomeric immunoglobulin A levels in tears from multiple sclerosis patients
Annals of Neurology
|February 1, 1987
Summary
Tears from multiple sclerosis patients show altered immunoglobulin A (IgA) forms. This finding in mucosal immunity may impact viral defense, but its functional significance requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Mucosal immunity is crucial for defense against viral infections.
- Secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) is a key component of mucosal defense.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular forms of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in human tears.
- To compare IgA forms in healthy individuals and patients with multiple sclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify IgA.
- Immunoblotting was employed to determine IgA molecular forms.
Main Results:
- Tears from normal controls and patients with systemic/ocular diseases primarily contained polymeric IgA.
- Approximately 75% of multiple sclerosis patients exhibited detectable monomeric IgA alongside polymeric IgA in their tears.
Conclusions:
- Multiple sclerosis is associated with an altered molecular form of secretory IgA in tears.
- The functional implications of this IgA alteration in multiple sclerosis are currently unknown and warrant further research.