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Peripheral blood lymphocyte sub-populations and multiple sclerosis
Abstract:
Serial studies of lymphocyte sub-populations in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) show periodic reductions in OKT8 cells (%). This alteration is neither immunologically nor disease-specific and also occurs in some apparently healthy normal individuals. In twice-monthly serial studies of lymphocyte sub-populations carried out over a 6-month period, we have found significant reductions in OKT8 cells on at least 2 occasions in 9/9 patients, 7/7 spouses and 3/11 siblings, but rarely in unrelated controls living in the same city. Abnormalities in these unaffected people occurred at the same time as those seen in their affected relative. Cyclical reduction in OKT8 cells is probably one factor associated with susceptibility to MS, perhaps only abnormal in terms of the frequency and duration with which it occurs, and may be related to environmental conditions affecting patients with MS and their close contacts but not most other unaffected individuals.
Insights
Periodic reductions in OKT8 cells occur in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and their close contacts, suggesting a potential link to MS susceptibility. These cyclical changes may be influenced by shared environmental factors.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease.
- Lymphocyte sub-populations, including OKT8 cells, play a role in immune function.
- Previous studies noted reductions in OKT8 cells in MS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cyclical reductions in OKT8 cells in MS patients and their close contacts.
- To determine if these reductions are specific to MS or also occur in healthy individuals.
- To explore potential environmental influences on OKT8 cell levels.
Main Methods:
- Serial monitoring of lymphocyte sub-populations over a 6-month period.
- Twice-monthly blood draws and analysis of OKT8 cell percentages.
- Comparison of OKT8 cell levels in MS patients, spouses, siblings, and unrelated controls.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in OKT8 cells were observed in all MS patients (9/9) and their spouses (7/7) on at least two occasions.
- Reductions were also found in some siblings (3/11) but rarely in unrelated controls.
- Abnormalities in unaffected individuals often coincided with those in their affected relatives.
Conclusions:
- Cyclical OKT8 cell reduction is not specific to MS but may be a factor in MS susceptibility.
- The frequency and duration of these reductions might be key.
- Shared environmental conditions may influence OKT8 cell levels in MS patients and their close contacts.