Question

Oligoclonal bands represent: a. Immunoglobulins directed against recently identified myelin epitopes in MS b. Immunoglobulins directed against unknown CNS epitopes in MS c. Immunoglobulins that have been shown to deposit around demyelinated plaques in MS d. Immunoglobulins often detected in the senum of individuals with MS e. \(b \& e\)

Short answer

Answer: Oligoclonal bands represent Immunoglobulins directed against unknown CNS epitopes in MS and Immunoglobulins often detected in the serum of individuals with MS.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Oligoclonal bands

Oligoclonal bands are bands of immunoglobulins that can be observed in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and which indicate an immune response within the central nervous system (CNS). These bands are commonly found in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a neurological disorder characterized by demyelination and inflammation in the CNS.

Evaluate each answer option

a. Immunoglobulins directed against recently identified myelin epitopes in MS: This answer is incorrect as Oligoclonal bands are not specifically directed against recently identified myelin epitopes. b. Immunoglobulins directed against unknown CNS epitopes in MS: This is a correct statement. Oligoclonal bands are produced in response to various antigens in the CNS, which are still not clearly identified. c. Immunoglobulins that have been shown to deposit around demyelinated plaques in MS: This answer is not entirely correct. Although some Oligoclonal bands have been found near demyelinated plaques, they are not required to deposit around these plaques. d. Immunoglobulins often detected in the serum of individuals with MS: This answer is partially correct, as Oligoclonal bands can sometimes be detected in the serum. However, they are more commonly observed in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of MS patients. e. b & e: This answer combines the correct statements from options b and d, making it the most accurate answer.

Choose the correct answer

Based on the evaluation of each answer option, the correct answer is e. Oligoclonal bands represent Immunoglobulins directed against unknown CNS epitopes in MS and Immunoglobulins often detected in the serum of individuals with MS.