ABSTRACT
The characterization of peripheral blood T-cell subpopulations in 29 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is studied. A direct immunofluorescence assay was performed using monoclonal antibodies (OK series) directed to lymphocytes surface antigens. In transverse study, the patients suffering from progressive MS showed T4+ lymphocytes and T4+/T8+ ratio significantly high (p less than 0.05) compared to controls; furthermore T8+ lymphocyte values were low. T3+ lymphocytes were low (p less than 0.05) during the relapse in the MS remitting relapsing patients. A six month follow-up of the patients showed, during relapse, a reduction and, immediately after, a recovery of T3+ and T4+ lymphocyte values; T8+ lymphocytes didn't show remarkable fluctuations.