Differentiation of lymphocytes in cerebrospinal fluid in disorders of the central nervous system

In 73 patients with variable CNS-disorders Slg-lymphocytes and RF-lymphocytes originating from CF were characterized by demonstration of surface markers. In the CF the Slg-lymphocytes were increased in comparison to the blood whereas the RF-lymphocytes generelly were decreased. Patients suffering from acute or chronic inflammatory diseases had significantly more Slg-lymphocytes while RF-lymphocytes were significantly decreased in those patients as well as in patients with malignancies. A correlation between the number of Slg-lymphocytes and immunoglobulin-levels was not seen. The respective data in blood did not follow the changes in CF. The results suggest a prevailing stimulation of the humoral immune system of the CNS during inflammatory diseases.