High dose methylprednisolone induces FcγRI on granulocytes in MS-patients

Immune complexes impinge on receptors for the Fc domain of IgG (FcγR) and may thus influence the disease course in multiple sclerosis (MS). We analyzed FcγR distribution on monocytes and granulocytes in twenty relapsing-remitting MS patients at baseline, immediately after a five day course of high dose intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) treatment and after two months. After a five day course of IVMP the proportion of granulocytes with FcγRI was increased, P = 0,002. There was no change in FcγRII and FcγRIII expression. The effect of IVMP on FcγRI expression could be important for the clearance of immune complexes in MS.