ANTIBODIES TO GLYCOSPHINGOLIPID ANTIGENS IN PATIENTS WITH IMMUNE-MEDIATED COCHLEOVESTIBULAR DISORDERS

Hypothesis: To determine the presence of antibodies against the glycos phingolipid antigen sulfated glucuronic lactosominyl paragloboside (SG LPG) in the sera of patients suspected of immune-mediated cochleovesti bular disorders (IMCVD).Background: Glycospingolipids are molecules pr esent on the surface of normal nerve cells and are considered antigeni c. Previous studies have isolated these antigens in vestibular neuroep ithelia, cochleovestibular nerves and endolymphatic sacs. Methods: The sera of 22 patients suspected of IMCVD were tested for antibodies aga inst the antigen SGLPG. Thin-layer chromatography-immunostaining metho d was used. Results: Antibody titers were elevated in 63.6% of patient s tested. Statistical significance (p < 0.0001) was achieved since rea ctivity was seen in only 7% of 43 age-matched healthy controls. Conclu sions: Antibodies to SGLPG antigens are present in some patients with IMCVD. Because SGLPD antigens have been previously isolated in the inn er ear and the cochleovestibular nerve, these structures can potential ly become targets for anti-SGLPG antibodies.