Study of the relationship between rubella virus and encephalitogenic factor in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis

The Authors research in the sera of 30 rabbits affected by E.A.E. the connection between encephalitogenic factor and rubella virus. They dose the antibodies against rubella virus and encephalitogenic factor before the challenge by BP, after 15 days and after 30 days. While in the first control no response either to the virus or to BP was evidenced, in the two following controls, the sera of the rabbits recognized immunologically both rubella virus and the myelinic components.

HLA-A3 linked C3 deficiency in multiple sclerosis

Many workers claim variations in quantity of functional activity of several components in the complement system in M.S. patients. Studies were performed in 58 M.S. patients, typing for HLA-SD specifities and C'3 complement component. We have been able to confirm a significant correlation between the hypocomplementaemic group (31.03%) with HLA-A3. In this connection we present some considerations on complement system and M.S.

Significance of plasma lysolecithin in patients with multiple sclerosis: a longitudinal study

Five patients with multiple sclerosis and four normal subjects have been followed for over two years. Plasma phospholipid levels and phospholipid fatty acid composition have been assayed periodically. The increased amount of plasma lysolecithin already described by us has been confirmed in this longitudinal study. A significant increase in saturated fatty acids of lysolecithin has also been demonstrated. In contrast, the lecithin concentration and fatty acid composition do not show any significant variations. The lysolecithin saturated/unsaturated fatty acid ratio was different in the same patients at different times, but no correlation was established between these variations and the clinical symptoms measured using the Kurtzke scale. The possible significance of saturated fatty acid increase in lysolecithin in the pathogenetic mechanisms of multiple sclerosis is discussed.