Polystyrene latex particles as indicators of abnormal plasma properties in multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease.
• Previous studies suggested erythrocyte membrane differences in MS patients.
• The origin of observed phenomena in MS requires clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the origin of altered particle mobility in multiple sclerosis (MS) plasma.
• To differentiate between plasma factors and red blood cell intrinsic properties in MS.

Main Methods:

• Polystyrene latex particles were incubated with plasma from MS patients and healthy controls.
• Linoleic acid was added to the plasma-particle mixtures.
• Electrophoretic mobility of the latex particles was measured and compared.

Main Results:

• MS patient plasma resulted in significantly lower mean electrophoretic mobility of latex particles compared to controls.
• This effect was observed after the addition of linoleic acid.
• The findings were consistent with results using erythrocytes as indicator particles.

Conclusions:

• The observed phenomenon originates from a component within the plasma of MS patients.
• This study rules out intrinsic differences in red blood cell membranes as the cause.
• Plasma abnormalities play a role in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis.