[Pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. Antibody dependent cytotoxicity of lymphocytes against myelin basic proteins in multiple sclerosis].

In 79 of 100 patients with multiple sclerosis, serum antibodies of the IgG type were demonstrated which render normal lymphocytes cytotoxic against basic protein of myelin. In 11 cerebrospinal fluids which were tested the antibody was also found. The method used was the release of 51Cr from chicken erythrocytes coated with antigen. The antibody-dependent lymphocyte cytotoxicity is related to the degree of activity of the disease and not to the evolution of the disease or its course. As the disease worsens, the frequency of positive reactions is higher than in inactive stages. The immunological reaction is very specific for multiple sclerosis, in patients with other neurological disorders only 5% had positive findings. The antibody-dependent cytotoxicity of lymphocytes against basic protein of myelin may be attributed with a certain diagnostic significance. The reaction seems suitable for the supervision of the course of multiple sclerosis and to check the effect of therapeutic measures. The antibody-dependent lymphocyte cytotoxicity against basic protein of myelin is considered to be significant in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.