Retinal antigens are recognized by antibodies present in sera of patients with multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is frequently accompanied by visual symptoms including those related to retinal disorders. Since they may be a consequence of an autoimmune reaction, we examined whether sera of patients with diagnosed MS and changes in visual-evoked potentials contain antibodies against retinal antigens (retAgs). Immunoblot analysis revealed that MS sera recognized mainly a 46-kD antigen, a 41-kD antigen, retinal arrestin, to a smaller extent also 70-, 56-, 43-, and 36-kD proteins. Patients whose sera showed the highest reactivity with 41- and 46-kD antigens had deficiencies in visual acuity, visual fields, ophthalmoscopy, and electroretinograms. Our observation suggests that antibodies to these retAgs may play a role in the origin of ophthalmologic impairment in MS.
Gorczyca
Wojciech A
WA
L. Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland. gorczyca@immuno.iitd.pan.wroc.pl
Ejma
Maria
M
Witkowska
Danuta
D
Misiuk-Hojło
Marta
M
Kuropatwa
Marianna
M
Mulak
Małgorzata
M
Szymaniec
Stanisław
S
D000328:Adult; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood*; D001324:Autoantigens / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008970:Molecular Weight; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D012160:Retina / Q000293:injuries*; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D014792:Visual Acuity
D001323:Autoantibodies; D001324:Autoantigens