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

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.