[Cyclic nucleotides in multiple sclerosis].

The authors studied concentrations of cyclic nucleotides (cAMP and cGMP), as well as their ratio in the blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 83 patients with disseminated sclerosis of different forms and variants. An elevation in cAMP concentrations in the plasma and CSF detected in all the patients was more expressed in cases of a long standing and disseminated process. Blood levels of cAMP showed greater variability in the period of exacerbation versus remission of the disease.

[Criteria for the activity of the pathologic process in multiple sclerosis (clinico-computer tomographic correlations)].

Eight patients with the clinical signs of disease exacerbation were examined using computer-aided tomography of the head with contrast intensification. In 4 patients with a clinical aggravation expressed in the appearance of new neurological symptoms the authors obtained an effect of contrast intensification. Routine examination of the zones of the white substance revealed drug accumulation in the zones of both subnormal and normal density.

[Immunologic abnormalities in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis].

A comprehensive immunological examination of 20 patients with various clinical manifestations of lateral amyotrophic sclerosis (LAS) was carried out. The authors determined the total lymphocyte count, the percentage and absolute ratio of T- and B-lymphocytes of the blood, subpopulations of active, theophylline sensitive and theophylline resistant lymphocytes and also the content of serum immunoglobulins A, M and G as well as the circulating immune complexes (IC). Patients with LAS exhibited a decreased total count of blood lymphocytes and increased the percentage of B-cells and IgM.

[Clinico-immunologic correlations in disseminated sclerosis].

The intensity of cellular and humoral immunity was shown to correlate with the acuteness and severity of disseminated sclerosis in 107 patients. During disease exacerbations, the patients displayed a decreased activity of T lymphocytes, which was determined by lymphocyte blast transformation, as well as high levels of cerebral, and low ones of complement fixing antibodies. The intensity of cellular reactivity was reduced in subjects with the most unfavourable, steadily progressing disease.

[Histocompatibility antigens in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients].

A study of HLA antigens in 55 patients with lateral amyotrophic sclerosis yielded the results which suggest that the risk of the development of lateral amyotrophic sclerosis is associated with HLA B18 antigen, while the character of the disease progression is related to HLA B27 and BW35 antigens. The patients displayed a decreased incidence of HLA B8 and B7 antigens.