Production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor by mononuclear cells of patients with multiple sclerosis treated with glatiramer acetate, interferon-β 1a, and high doses of immunoglobulins

Sixty, relapsing remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, who underwent treatment with glatiramer acetate (GA), interferon (IFN)-β 1a, and immunoglobulins (Igs) (20 per treatment group), were assessed for levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the supernatants of unstimulated and stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the first year of treatment. Phytohemagglutinin (PHA), anti-OKT3 antibody, myelin basic protein (MPB) and GA were used as stimuli. Cytokine responses by ELISPOT and lymphoproliferative responses were also assessed. The GA-treated MS patient group showed a progressive increase in BDNF levels, from baseline to month three; thereafter, the levels remained stable and significantly greater compared with baseline and controls (ANOVA=P<0.001). IFN-β 1a had no effect on BDNF production, whereas Igs induced a slight decrease (ANOVA=P<0.04). ELISPOT analysis revealed a significant decrease of IFN-γ, an increase of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 in GA-treated MS pa...