Central nervous system IgG synthesis in multiple sclerosis. Application of a new formula.

A new formula for the determination of local central nervous system IgG synthesis has been applied to a group of 191 patients with multiple sclerosis. There were no correlations with sex, age, duration of disease, or clinical status but local IgG synthesis was significantly greater in patients with high levels of disability and a progressive clinical course than those with lower degrees of disability or a relapsing/remitting course. Significant correlations were found between oligoclonal aspect and local IgG synthesis; this synthesis was higher in CSF containing anti-viral and anti-nucleic acid antibodies than in CSF without such antibodies. There was also a lower local IgG synthesis when C-reactive protein (CRP) was present in serum.