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Proteolytic enzyme activity of blood leukocytes and cerebrospinal fluid in multiple sclerosis
Abstract:
Upon stimulation by immune complexes, the polymorphonuclear (PMN) blood secretes lysosomal hydrolases, including neutral proteinase, which is concentrated in the PMN cell. Neutral and acid proteinase activity were increased and decreased, respectively, in the circulating white cells of patients with multiple sclerosis during an exacerbation of the disease, but there was no correlation with serum immune complex levels. Neutral proteolytic activity in the cellular fraction of the cerebrospinal fluid was also found to be elevated in acute multiple sclerosis, as monitored by digestion of myelin basic protein.
Insights
Polymorphonuclear cells release enzymes during multiple sclerosis flares. Elevated neutral proteinase activity in white blood cells and cerebrospinal fluid suggests a role in acute multiple sclerosis pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells are key immune responders.
- Lysosomal hydrolases, including neutral proteinase, are stored within PMN cells.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate neutral and acid proteinase activity in patients with multiple sclerosis.
- To explore the relationship between proteinase activity, immune complexes, and disease exacerbation.
- To assess proteolytic activity in the cerebrospinal fluid of MS patients.
Main Methods:
- Assaying neutral and acid proteinase activity in circulating white blood cells.
- Measuring serum immune complex levels.
- Analyzing cellular fractions of cerebrospinal fluid for neutral proteolytic activity.
- Monitoring myelin basic protein digestion as an indicator of proteolytic activity.
Main Results:
- Neutral proteinase activity was increased in circulating white cells during multiple sclerosis exacerbation.
- Acid proteinase activity was decreased in circulating white cells during multiple sclerosis exacerbation.
- No correlation was found between proteinase activity and serum immune complex levels.
- Elevated neutral proteolytic activity was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with acute multiple sclerosis.
Conclusions:
- Increased neutral proteinase activity in white blood cells and cerebrospinal fluid may be a biomarker for acute multiple sclerosis.
- The findings suggest a potential role for PMN-derived neutral proteinases in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis, independent of systemic immune complex levels.