Phagocytic activity of CSF monocytes in neurological diseases.

A standard latex phagocytosis test was used to determine the phagocytic activity of CSF monocytes under various pathological conditions. The mean values for groups of neurological diseases did not differ significantly, with the exception of tumour patients. Differences in the phagocytosis of CSF monocytes were seen if subdivisions within the groups of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and vertebral irritation syndrome (VIS) were evaluated separately. The active stage of MS and the intervertebral disc prolapse were accompanied by higher values. It is concluded that although the findings are of no use for diagnostic purposes they may be helpful in assessing prognosis and therapy.