[Histocompatibility antigens in retrobulbar neuritis and multiple sclerosis].

HLA antigens were studied in 121 patients with dissemination sclerosis and 50 patients with retrobulbar neuritis. In both diseases the rate of antigen B7 distribution was increased and that of antigens B17, B40 decreased. The data suggest that both diseases have common pathogenic links.

[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.