A method has been developed to determine quantitatively the level of the anti-neurofilament antibodies in the blood of patients affected with different neurological diseases. In 7 out of the 52 patients, taken as controls and in 33 out of the 208 patients affected with neurological diseases, the antibody levels were increased. The increases were greater in 43 patients with Parkinson dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis who originated from Guam. On the other hand, the levels were very low in 10 patients affected with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and in 11 cases with Chagas' disease. In 24 cases with dementia of Alzheimer type, the levels were normal.
A monoclonal antibody (mAb), termed BBS/NC/VI-H14 (H14), that reacts with the human enzyme gamma gamma-enolase was prepared. It was directed against the gamma-subunit and did not cross-react with the alpha- or beta-subunit. The mAb H14 can be used for quantitative determination of gamma gamma-enolase in a two-site immunoradiometric assay (two-site IRMA). It is also suitable for immunostaining formalin-fixed tissues. The specific identification of gamma gamma-enolase provided by the two-site IRMA with H14 is discussed in relation to the cellular distribution of this protein.
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