Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Six multiple sclerosis (MS) brain white matter biopsies were analyzed both morphologically and chemically. The reliability of earlier postmortem observations was tested. Special attention was given to proteins which were analyzed in polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis and to acid proteinase. Myelin basic protein (BP) was present in all biopsies, although advanced demyelination was seen in 1 case as based on morphology. This did not agree with earlier observations. Some acid proteins were decreased or absent in 2 cases. The activity of acid proteinases was increased from 2 to 5-fold in 4 of 6 cases. This increase of the activity was seen also in the normal-appearing MS autopsy white matter which served as control. The source of this activity was discussed.