The cerebrospinal fluid proteins in multiple sclerosis

A specific and reliable diagnostic test for MS does not currently exist. However, most patients afflicted with this disorder demonstrate both qualitative and quantitative changes in CSF proteins. An abnormal immunoglobulin fraction synthesized within the CNS is frequently found to be electrophoretically distinct from other proteins of the CSF and quantifiable according to different formulas. Although an etiologic antigen has not been implicated as yet, these findings provide compelling evidence to support an immunopathologic basis for MS.