Polymorphonuclear leukocyte lysosome activities and lymphocyte transformation in multiple sclerosis and some other central nervous system chronic diseases.

The role of PMNL lysosomes was studied in some lesions of the central nervous system with speical regard to multiple sclerosis patients. The significant decrease of acid hydrolases was observed in multiple sclerosis (MS) peripheral blood PMNL lysosomal granula and, in parallel, the increase of lysosome proteins mitogenic potency. The other lesions of the central nervous system such as apoplexy, brain tumors, brain trauma and epilepsy have not shown the MS-like activities of PMNLs. The role of PMNLs in pathogenesis of MS and in the stimulation of immunocompetent cells is suggested.