Adenosine deaminase elevation in MS


Multiple sclerosis showing elevation of adenosine deaminase levels in the cerebrospinal fluid.Samuraki M, Sakai K, Odake Y, Yoshita M, Misaki K, Nakada M, Yamada M.Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2017 Apr;13:44-46.

An 80-year-old man developed dysarthria, quadriplegia, sensory disturbance and ataxia in all limbs. Brain and spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multiple enhanced lesions. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of adenosine deaminase (ADA) remarkably elevated. Tuberculosis DNA was not detected, and tuberculosis was not cultured either in the CSF. Brain biopsy revealed the inflammatory demyelinating lesions. With the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, corticosteroid therapy resulted in rapid improvement of his symptoms and MRI abnormalities. CSF levels of ADA also decreased. Multiple sclerosis should be included in differential diagnosis of disorders with ADA elevation in the CSF.


Adenosine deaminase is needed for the breakdown of adenosine from food and for the turnover of nucleic acids in tissues. 

A function in humans is the development and maintenance of the immune system. If you don't make it you have reduced B cells and can also have reduce T cells, If you make it does it mean you can make more lymphocytes? 

Increased adenosine deaminase has been seen before

Alterations in the cholinesterase and adenosine deaminase activities and inflammation biomarker levels in patients with multiple sclerosis.


Cladribine is a adenosine deaminase inhibitor and it depletes T cells and particularly B cells and MS

CoI: None

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