THE PATTERN OF PRODUCTION OF CYTOKINE MESSENGER-RNAS IS MARKEDLY ALTERED AT THE ONSET OF MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS

Using two independent PCR-based quantification techniques, we have det ermined the levels of IL1 beta, IL2, IL4, IL6, IL10, IFN gamma and TNF alpha mRNA in multiple sclerosis patients at the moment of diagnosis of the disease and prior to any immunosuppressive treatment. These pat ients exhibit markedly reduced IL2 and IL10 mRNA expression accompanie d by decreased levels of TNF alpha mRNA. Our results add to the eviden ce that IL10 plays a role in multiple sclerosis and suggest that decre ased production of this interleukin allows the proliferation of autore active T cells at the onset of the disease.