[The membrane pathochemical mechanisms of the thermal dependence of the neurological deficiency in multiple sclerosis].

The authors studied acetylcholine esterase (ACE) activity, that of red cell membranes in the range of physiological temperatures 34-41 degrees C interferometrically in 47 patients with multiple sclerosis. Michaelis constant (CM) and maximal rate of substrate saturation (Vmax) were assumed criteria of the above activity. Two abnormal peaks of thermodependent ACE activity at 35 and 40 degrees C were observed. At 35 degrees C ACE activity was low and fluctuated with severity of MS. At 40 degrees C ACE activity proved universally maximal. Abnormal ACE activity peaks coincide with unusual rises in red cell density at the same temperatures detected by capillary viscosimetry, and with maximal activity of red cell Na+, K(+)-ATPase. The authors give their version of pathogenetic origin of reversible thermodependent deficiency which is characteristic of MS clinical picture.