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Appraisal of the PAM cell effect as a diagnostic test for multiple sclerosis
Abstract:
The selective reduction of PAM cell yield reported by Carp and associates in the presence of tissue from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been attributed to replication in culture of a viral agent associated with MS (MSAA). We investigated the diagnostic potential of the PAM cell effect in MS and in optic neuritis (ON). Six serum and 7 CSF samples from 7 patients with MS, 3 serum and 3 CSF samples from 4 patients with idiopathic ON, and 4 sera from 4 patients with ON induced by ethambutal toxicity were tested. Blind counting showed no reduction in PAM cell yield in the MS group nor any significant difference between the two ON groups. Disturbing inconsistencies in PAM cell growth rates over time and between control flasks were demonstrated.
Insights
This study investigated the potential of the PAM cell assay to diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS) and optic neuritis (ON). The PAM cell assay did not show a reduction in cell yield for MS patients, questioning its diagnostic value.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- A previous study suggested a viral agent in multiple sclerosis (MS) tissue reduces P-aquamysin (PAM) cell yield.
- This effect was proposed as a potential diagnostic marker for MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diagnostic potential of the PAM cell assay for MS and optic neuritis (ON).
- To determine if PAM cell yield is reduced in the presence of MS or ON patient samples.
Main Methods:
- Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from patients with MS, idiopathic ON, and ethambutol-induced ON were tested.
- PAM cell yield was blindly counted in the presence of these patient samples.
- PAM cell growth rates were monitored over time and between control flasks.
Main Results:
- No significant reduction in PAM cell yield was observed in the MS group.
- No significant differences in PAM cell yield were found between the ON groups.
- Inconsistent PAM cell growth rates were noted across experiments and controls.
Conclusions:
- The PAM cell assay does not appear to be a reliable diagnostic tool for MS or ON.
- The previously reported 'PAM cell effect' in MS requires further investigation due to inconsistent findings and methodological concerns.