Expression of aminopeptidase N (APN) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells' surface as a marker of these cells' transendothelial migration properties in the course of multiple sclerosis.

CD13 Ag and CD11a, CD11b, CD18 molecule expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were studied as these cells' adherent or transendothelial migration properties in three different multiple sclerosis (MS) patients groups (total 38): with clinically active MS (acute exacerbation of MS and primary chronic progressive MS (CP-MS)) and with MS remission. The control group consisted of patients, suffering from other non-inflammatory neurological diseases (OND). The results of our study suggest that CD11a/CD18 molecules expression on PB lymphocytes, although higher on these cells' surface in the course of MS as compared to OND, does not differentiate clinical forms of MS. CD11a molecule expression on monocytes did not differ significantly in all tested MS patient groups in comparison to OND. Although the expression of CD11b/CD18 molecules on monocytes' surface shows their activation in the course of MS, it does not differentiate them either. However, CD13 Ag of APN expression on PBMC surface may be an immunological marker of MS clinical form. CD13 Ag expression may also be a sensitive marker of these cells' transendothelial migration properties.