[The macrophage electrophoretic mobility LAD test--a diagnostic method for multiple sclerosis (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Neuroimmunology
• Cellular immunology

Background:

• Cellular immune reactions involve sensitized lymphocytes releasing macrophage slowing factor (MSF).
• Macrophage migration inhibition is observed in neurological diseases with parenchymal destruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To differentiate neurological diseases using a modified MEM-LAD test.
• To investigate cellular immune responses in multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological conditions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the modified MEM-LAD (linoleic acid depression) test on 146 neurological patients and normal individuals.
• Assessed macrophage mobility inhibition rates in different patient groups.

Main Results:

• MS patients exhibited 94.7% macrophage mobility inhibition, significantly higher than normals (55.1%) and other neurological diseases (47.8%).
• Elevated inhibition rates in MS relatives (78.5%) and a monozygotic twin suggest a familial/genetic disposition.
• No significant impact of disease course, duration, or immunosuppressive therapy was observed.

Conclusions:

• The MEM-LAD test effectively differentiates MS based on cellular immune response.
• Findings indicate a potential genetic predisposition for MS, with early-life exogenic factors also playing a role.
• Linoleic acid's suppressive action suggests a potential therapeutic concept for MS.