Quantitation of IgG, IgA and IgM in the cerebrospinal fluid by a solid-phase enzyme-immunoassay. Establishment of normal control values.

A sensitive, specific and simple solid-phase enzyme-immunoassay for quantitative determination of IgG, IgA and IgM in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been developed. Using this technique, we have established the control values for CSF immunoglobulins from 30 neurologically normal subjects. The value of IgG determined by our method was closely correlated with that found by single radial immunodiffusion although the latter was found 1.5 times higher. The values of IgG and IgA showed significant positive correlations with CSF total protein values, while the value of IgM did not. This finding suggested that the concentration of CSF IgM might be less affected by transudation from the serum than those of IgG and IgA in neurologically normal subjects. Our method needs no complicated technique nor special apparatus other than microplate photometer, and offers more facility and convenience for routine laboratory use.