Aberrant CSF Protein Fractions Found by Electrofocusing in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

The CSF .gamma.-globulin patterns found by electrofocusing in multiple sclerosis were classified into 5 (a-e) mean patterns, where the individual bands lie very close together. In some patients with verified or probable multiple sclerosis, conspicuous bands were found. The electrofocusing patterns from 28 such cases were compared with those reported by Kjellin and Vesterberg and with 20 cases verified multiple sclerosis collected by chance. Differences were found with regard to the frequency of the different mean patterns, the occurrence of a double fraction in region 5, a single fraction in region 7 and a highly alkaline fraction. The electrofocusing findings were compared with the clinical data of the 28 patients. There seemed to be some correlation between the patterns of conspicuous bands, the duration and course of the disorder and probable sites of the CNS lesions. No indication was found that either a high CSF .gamma.-globulin value and/or a high degree of barrier damage was a prerequisite for the occurrence of conspicuous bands in the CSF .gamma.-globulin region. The aberrant electrofocusing patterns might be genetically determined or caused by some unusual agents (possible viral) or autoimmune reactions, modified by other than genetically divergent factors.