Suppressor Lymphocyte Function During Attacks of Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by a relapsing and remitting course, particularly in the early phases of the disease. Tests of immune function conducted both on peripheral blood and spinal fluid strongly suggest that aberrant immune function occurs in MS patients. These aberrancies appear to be most striking during periods of active disease, although they may at times remain detectable during periods of clinical quiescence. For example, in studies of sensitivity of peripheral blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lymphocytes to myelin antigens, the most striking changes have been reported in patients with active disease. Similarly, changes in the percent of B and/or T cells in peripheral blood have been most evident when disease is active. Oger et al. [14] in contrast, have found that depressed numbers of avid T cells, probably representing a T-cell subset, are observed both when disease is active and when it is quiescent. Noronha et al. [13] have presented evidence that CSF lymphocytes of MS patients remain activated as measured by RNA/DNA content, even during seemingly quiescent disease. The possibility that MS is seldom “burned out” must be seriously entertained.