Increased IgG secretion by unstimulated mononuclear cells in active multiple sclerosis and functional assessment of the T8 subset

Phenotype analysis of unstimulated lymphocytes and anti-CD3-stimulated proliferating T-cells from cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral blood in patients with multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases

In 15 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and in 11 patients with other neurological diseases (OND), the phenotype of fresh unstimulated CSF and PB mononuclear cells and of "in vitro" expanded T-cells was studied by monoclonal antibody stain and cytofluorimeter analysis. A compartment-specific decrease of CD8+Leu8+ and CD8+Leu8- cells in CSF was detected; moreover, lower levels of CD8+Leu8- cells were seen in MS than in OND patients, both in CSF and in PB. Although the percentages of unstimulated CSF CD4+ cells did not differ between MS and OND, a higher proportion of "in vitro" expanded CD4+ T-cells was obtained from MS patients than from OND. Among MS patients, T-cell growth was very scarce or absent in those sampled during relapses. The results suggest alterations both within the CD4+ "helper" and the CD8+ "suppressor-cytotoxic" populations in the CSF of MS patients, and stress the relevance of functional analysis in conjunction with phenotype studies.

Use of allophycocyanin allows quantitative description by flow cytometry of alveolar macrophage surface antigens present in low numbers of cells

Autofluorescence has limited quantitative description by flow cytometry of certain alveolar macrophage surface antigens. Autofluorescence is most significant when macrophages are excited by blue light and emission is monitored in the green-yellow light range. Because of recent advances in flow cytometry and in the development of fluorescent labeling compounds, such as allophycocyanin, autofluorescence can be minimized by the use of red excitation and emission wavelengths. We have developed a three-step labeling technique that discretely identifies the minor subpopulation of normal rat alveolar macrophages that express Class II major histocompatibility (Ia) antigens. Using this technique, we observed that alveolar macrophage Ia antigen expression increases at least fourfold after intravenous administration of bacillus Calmette-Guerin to previously primed rats. Additionally, we observed that in vitro treatment of alveolar macrophages by exposure to gamma interferon results in an increase in Ia antigen expression. This new method is significant because flow cytometry is a powerful tool with which to analyze quickly, accurately, and reproducibly alveolar macrophage surface antigens.

Viral specificity of multiple sclerosis tear immunoglobulins

The mucosal immune system plays an important role in determining how an individual handles infection by most of the common viruses. Tears form part of this system and participate in mucosal immunity. We examined tears from multiple sclerosis (MS) and control subjects for antibodies to seven common neurotropic viruses. Antibodies to multiple viruses were detected in MS tears, especially when tears were obtained from chronic progressive active patients. In particular, MS patients showed a significantly greater prevalence of tear antibodies to measles, herpes simplex type I, and rubella virus. The tear anti-viral response included IgA as well as IgG antibody and appeared to be independent of serum. Mucosal fluid in MS patients, in addition to cerebrospinal fluid, also shows heightened humoral immune responses to multiple neurotropic viruses.