Lack of confirmation of anti-inward rectifying potassium channel 4.1 antibodies as reliable markers of multiple sclerosis

Mult Scler. 2014 Nov;20(13):1699-703. doi: 10.1177/1352458514531086. Epub 2014 Apr 22.

Abstract

Background: auto-antibodies against the potassium channel inward rectifying potassium channel 4.1 (Kir4.1) have previously been identified in 46% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objectives: to confirm these findings.

Methods: we evaluated the presence of anti-Kir4.1 antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence in 268 MS patients, 46 patients with other neurological diseases (OND) and 45 healthy controls.

Results: anti-Kir4.1 antibodies were found in 7.5% of MS patients, 4.3% of OND patients and 4.4% of healthy controls. Immunofluorescence analysis did not identify any specific staining.

Conclusions: we confirmed the presence of anti-Kir4.1 antibodies in MS patients, but at a much lower prevalence than previously reported.

Keywords: ELISA; Kir4.1 antibody; Multiple sclerosis; biomarker; diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autoantibodies / blood*
  • Autoantibodies / immunology
  • Autoantigens / immunology
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Multiple Sclerosis / blood
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology*
  • Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying / immunology*

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Autoantigens
  • Biomarkers
  • Kcnj10 (channel)
  • Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying