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Lymphocyte adherence in multiple sclerosis: effect of aspirin
The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|January 1, 1979
Summary
Aspirin and indomethacin reduce abnormal lymphocyte adherence in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Therapeutic aspirin doses normalize lymphocyte adherence, suggesting a prostaglandin-sensitive mechanism in MS.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by increased peripheral blood lymphocyte adherence to measles virus-infected cells.
- Prostaglandin E(1) treatment of normal lymphocytes mimics this heightened adherence observed in MS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of prostaglandin synthesis inhibition on lymphocyte adherence in MS and control patients.
- To determine if non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can modulate lymphocyte adherence in MS.
Main Methods:
- In vitro addition of aspirin and indomethacin to peripheral blood mononuclear cells from MS patients.
- Administration of varying doses of aspirin to MS patients and assessment of lymphocyte adherence.
- Comparison of lymphocyte adherence levels between MS patients, healthy controls, and patients with other diseases.
Main Results:
- In vitro aspirin and indomethacin reduced MS lymphocyte adherence to control levels.
- Therapeutic doses of aspirin significantly reduced MS lymphocyte adherence.
- A dose-dependent reduction in adherence was observed with aspirin, with longer duration at higher doses.
Conclusions:
- Prostaglandin synthesis inhibition, particularly with aspirin, normalizes lymphocyte adherence in MS patients.
- These findings suggest that a prostaglandin-sensitive mechanism underlies the altered lymphocyte adherence in MS.
- NSAIDs may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for modulating immune cell behavior in MS.
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