[Gamma globulin subfractions and immunoglobulin G in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and other diseases of the nervous system].

CSF samples were obtained from 22 patients with multiple sclerosis, 14 patients with subacute sclerosis panencephalitis, and 10 with neuroses or headaches. Most samples were investigated simultaneously by a sensitive method of electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel (PE) and radial immunodiffusion (RID). The absolute IgG concentration was in multiple sclerosis 6.8 +/- 3.3 mg/100 ml, and in SSPE 21.4 +/- 16.8 mg/100 ml and it was higher than in control subjects (p less than 0.01). In 84% of MS patients the Bauer index (IgG: total protein) was raised, 72% had relatively raised subfractions gamma 2-gamma 3 in PE, 64% had higher absolute concentration of GG (0.045 g/l or more) and 63% had increased proportion of one of gammaglobulin subfractions (over 4%). Of positive diagnostic importance was a rise of the IgG: total protein index, since 7 patients with SM (31%) with normal per cent gammaglobulin level (less than or equal to 13%) had an evident rise of this index. Raised value of the index IgG: total protein (greater than or equal to 10%) was observed also in 100% of SSPE cases, while in 92% the proportional value of one of gamma globulin subfractions was increased (over 4%), in 92% the subfractions gamma 3-gamma 4 were increased, in 85-86% of patients the relative (over 13%) and absolute (0.045 g/l or more) levels of gammaglobulins were increased. The index beta/gamma in MS and SSPE was 0.85 and 0.57 respectively, and was significantly lower than in patients with headaches. The authors discuss the diagnostic value of these findings.