Comparative clinical immunologic analysis of the remittent and secondary-progressive course of multiple sclerosis

Immunochemical monitoring of remittent and secondary-progressive course of multiple sclerosis (MS) was performed. Examination of 61 patients was perfo rmed during 3 years. Inflammatory cytokines: (IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-alpha), were measured in supernatants of the peripheral brood mononuclear cells wh ile some neurospecific proteins (GFAP and alpha(2)-GP), vesicular-cellular molecules of the adhesion (sVCAM-1) were estimated in blood serum. 50 healt hy donors entered the control group. The results demonstrated a remaining f unctional tension of cell immunity and a decrease of the resistance of hema toencephalic barrier (HEB) at all MS stages. However, in secondary-progress ive MS concentration of the sVCAM-1 in blood serum was elevated as compared with the control group, patients with remittent course and in clinical imp rovement. It is suggested that some functional alteration of HEB endotheliu m, manifest in constant pathologic expression of svCAM-1 molecule, is one o f the pathochemical mechanisms promoting progression of MS process.