[Relation between serum immunoglobulin levels and anticerebral antibodies, detected by the Coon method, in hepatolenticular degeneration].

Antibodies to brain tissue were determined by indirect immunofluorescence of Coons in 23 patients with hepatolenticular degeneration. In 14 patients the levels of immunoglobulins A, G and M were determined as well. Control investigations were done in 37 donors. Positive results of Coons reaction with bright fluorescence of nervous tissue antigens were obtained in patients with increased serum immunoglobulin levels. Qualitative differences were obtained also in the reaction of Coons with sera from various patients. These data evidence that immunoglobulin F (ab)2 fragments as well as Fc fragments participate in the immunofluorescent reaction which calls for caution in the interpretation of the results of this method.