IgA antibodies against gliadin and gluten in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND Multiple changes in antibodies against various antigens are found in multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE We wanted to measure immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies to some common food antigens in MS and also IgG against gliadin and gluten. METHODS The IgA antibodies were measured in serum against gluten, gliadin, lactoglobulin, lactalbumin, casein and ovalbumin in patients with MS and controls using ELISA technique. IgG was likewise measured for gluten and gliadin. RESULTS Highly significant increases compared with controls were found for IgA and IgG antibodies against gliadin and gluten. IgA antibodies against casein were significantly increased. Anti-endomycium and anti-transglutaminase antibodies were negative. CONCLUSIONS The data presented indicate that there may be a possible moderately increased uptake of some specific proteins from the gut in MS compared with controls.