Oligoclonal "fingerprint" of CSF IgG in multiple sclerosis patients is not modified following intrathecal administration of natural beta-interferon.

The IgG pattern in CSF was studied in 11 patients with multiple sclerosis who exhibited an oligoclonal banding upon thin-layer polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing followed by silver stain of unconcentrated CSF. Each patient received beta-interferon intrathecally during a 2 month period. No modification was observed over a 6 month period. In addition, the oligoclonal pattern was remarkably unique for each individual representing a typical "fingerprint" which allowed the identification of any single CSF.