Detection of antibodies against myelin basic protein and increased levels of HIV-IgG antibodies and HIV antigen after solubilization of immune complexes in sera and CSF of HIV infected patients.

Fifteen HIV seropositive patients were studied. It was possible to enhance detection of HIV antigen and HIV and myelin basic protein (MBP) antibodies after dissociation of immune complexes by acid hydrolysis. HIV p24 antigen was then detected in four patients, three of whom were previously antigen negative. In 14 patients the treatment resulted in increased anti-HIV IgG subclass levels. Anti-MBP IgG was detected in 12 patients. Intrathecal synthesis of anti-MBP IgG subclasses was found in eight patients, five of whom had symptoms from the central nervous system.