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CSF myelin basic protein levels in acute optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis
Abstract:
Normal CSF-MBP levels as determined by a RIA were less than 6.2 ng/ml CSF (mean 3.9). Eighty percent of patients with acute optic neuritis have CSF-MBP levels greater than 6.2 ng/ml (mean 7.6 ng/ml CSF). Five of 7 patients with acute internuclear ophthalmoplegia due to an initial exacerbation of demyelination have CSF-MBP levels above 6.2 ng/ml (mean 6.8 ng/ml). Fifty percent of MS patients with chronic progressive disease have CSF-MBP levels above 6.2 ng/ml (mean 6.7 ng/ml). MS patients experiencing monosymptomatic exacerbations show elevated CSF-MBP levels in 75% in 75% of cases (mean 8.2 ng/ml). MS patients experiencing polysymptomatic exacerbations show significantly higher levels of CSF-MBP (mean 22.3 ng/ml) than the patients with monosymptomatic exacerbations. Ninety-five percent of MS patients experiencing polysymptomatic exacerbations have elevated levels of CSF-MBP.
Insights
Cerebrospinal fluid myelin basic protein (CSF-MBP) levels are elevated in most patients with acute optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis (MS) exacerbations. Elevated CSF-MBP indicates active demyelination in neurological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Neurochemistry
- Neurology
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.
- Myelin basic protein (MBP) is a major component of myelin, and its presence in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can indicate myelin breakdown.
- Elevated CSF-MBP levels are associated with active demyelination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diagnostic utility of CSF-MBP levels in various neurological conditions, particularly MS.
- To correlate CSF-MBP levels with different clinical presentations of MS, including acute optic neuritis and exacerbations.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to measure CSF-MBP levels.
- CSF-MBP levels were compared between healthy controls and patients with optic neuritis, internuclear ophthalmoplegia, and different forms of MS.
Main Results:
- Normal CSF-MBP levels were below 6.2 ng/ml.
- Eighty percent of patients with acute optic neuritis showed elevated CSF-MBP (>6.2 ng/ml).
- Seventy-five percent of MS patients with monosymptomatic exacerbations and 95% with polysymptomatic exacerbations had elevated CSF-MBP.
- MS patients with polysymptomatic exacerbations exhibited significantly higher mean CSF-MBP levels (22.3 ng/ml) compared to those with monosymptomatic exacerbations (8.2 ng/ml).
Conclusions:
- CSF-MBP measurement is a valuable biomarker for active demyelination in MS and related neurological disorders.
- Elevated CSF-MBP levels are particularly indicative of active disease during MS exacerbations and in acute optic neuritis.