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Polymorphonuclear leukocyte functions and multiple sclerosis

D G Podikoglou1, P E Lianou, C D Tsakanikas

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Athens University Medical School, Goudi, Greece.

Neurology
|January 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients exhibit impaired polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) functions, including adherence, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and bactericidal action. These immune deficits may increase MS patients' susceptibility to infections.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
  • Patients with MS often experience increased susceptibility to infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) functions in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • To determine if impaired PMNL function correlates with increased infection risk in MS.

Main Methods:

  • Peripheral blood samples were collected from 60 MS patients and 60 healthy controls.
  • Key PMNL functions including adherence, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and bactericidal action were assessed.
  • Results were reconfirmed by retesting a subset of patients 3-8 months later.

Main Results:

  • Significant impairments were observed in PMNL adherence, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and bactericidal action in MS patients compared to controls (p < 0.001).
  • These functional deficits were consistently observed upon retesting.
  • Specific values for MS patients vs. controls were: adherence (9.07% vs. 28.97%), chemotaxis (18.32 vs. 30.49), phagocytosis (73.6 vs. 111.2), and bactericidal action (10.35% vs. 25.09%).

Conclusions:

  • Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) functions are significantly depressed in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • These immune system deficits in MS patients may contribute to their heightened susceptibility to respiratory, digestive, and urinary tract infections.

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