Characterization of classes of intrathecally synthesized antibodies by imprint immunofixation of electrophoretically separated sera and cerebrospinal fluids.

The use of imprint immunofixation (IIF) method to identify IgG, IgA and IgM classes of microbial antibodies in electrophoretically separated sera and cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) is described. The method was applied to the analysis of intrathecal antibody responses in mumps meningitis, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), neurosyphilis and multiple sclerosis (MS). Intrathecally synthesized mumps virus-specific IgG, IgA and IgM antibodies were demonstrated in the CSF of patients with mumps meningitis. The intrathecally synthesized IgG and IgM antibodies displayed oligoclonal characteristics, while the IgA antibodies appeared to be mainly polyclonal. The intrathecal measles antibody responses in SSPE appeared to be confined to IgG antibodies. In neurosyphilis, the intrathecal treponemal antibody response was predominantly of the IgG class, but IgA antibodies were demonstrated in two of nine patients. Intrathecally synthesized IgG antibodies to measles and/or varicella-zoster viruses were demonstrated in 17 of 18 patients with MS; IgA or IgM antibodies to these viruses were not detected.