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Perivascular and intraparenchymal lymphocytic infiltrates were found in the spinal cord of 18 of 27 consecutive ALS autopsy cases.The lymphocytes possessed only T-cell markers;no B-cell markers could be demonstrated.T- helper cells were found in proximity to degenerating corticospinal tracts, while T-helper and T-suppressor/cytotocix cells were demonstrated in ventral horns.Lymphycytes were present in the spinal cord of only one control specimen(multiple sclerosis)and in none of the remaining 10 control specimens.In ALS tissue,the lymphocytic infiltrates did not correlate with the rate of progression or stage of the disease or with the presence or absence of terminal infections.T-cell lymphocytes are present in the spinal cord of patients with ALS.T-helper cells are found in proximity to corticospinal tract degeneration,while T-helper and T- suppressor/cytotocis cells are present in ventral horns.The role of these lymphocytes remains to be elucidated. |
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