Immunoreactive IFN-gamma in CSF in neurological disorders

• Published in: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry neurosurgery and psychiatry, 1987-07, Vol.50 (7), p.882-885
• Main Authors: Abbott, R J, Bolderson, I, Gruer, P J, Peatfield, R C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Cerebrospinal fluid (biochemistry, cytology, circulation, manometry). Intracranial pressure determination; Encephalitis - cerebrospinal fluid; Humans; Interferon-gamma - cerebrospinal fluid; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Medical sciences; Meningitis - cerebrospinal fluid; Multiple Sclerosis - cerebrospinal fluid; Nervous System Diseases - cerebrospinal fluid; Neuromuscular Diseases - cerebrospinal fluid; Polyradiculoneuropathy - cerebrospinal fluid; Radioimmunoassay
• ISSN: 0022-3050; 1468-330X
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.50.7.882

Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) was measured in the CSF of neurological patients using a highly specific and sensitive immunoradiometric assay. It was detected in 52% of patients presenting as suspected meningitis or encephalitis and in 83% with proven viral meningitis. In contrast IFN-gamma was detected in only 26% of patients who did not have an acute infection at the time of presentation. Only 15% of patients with multiple sclerosis had detectable CSF IFN-gamma. The presence of IFN-gamma in CSF in response to acute viral infections of the central nervous system may be of importance in relation to the pathophysiology of immunologically mediated neurological disorders.