IN-VITRO TNF-ALPHA, IL-2 AND IFN-GAMMA PRODUCTION AS MARKERS OF RELAPSES IN MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS

In 22 patients with definite multiple sclerosis (MS) we determined wit h monthly intervals over a period of 24 months the in vitro tumor necr osis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and inter leukin-2 (IL-2) production and the serum neopterin levels. The results were compared with normative data collected from 14 healthy controls over the same period. Twenty-nine relapses in 13 patients were noticed . We found increased in vitro TNF-alpha production from 4 weeks on pri or to the day of an exacerbation. There was a significant correlation with in vitro IFN-gamma release: the absolute blood monocyte count and the serum neopterin levels. suggesting that monocytes stimulated by I FN-gamma play an important role in the TNF-alpha production. Serial an alysis of in vitro TNF-alpha production proved to be a helpful tool in predicting relapses in MS patients. Furthermore, elevated levels of I FN-gamma and IL-2 after stimulation With OKT3 during exacerbations wer e demonstrated. Serial analysis of these two biological markers reveal ed to be of no value in predicting relapses.