Hermann C. Schumacher - Böcker

The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) has revolutionized the technical development of molecular biology and immunology. It is a very simple method for amplifying nucleic acids in vitro. During the last two years, PCR has mostly been used on investigations of oncogenes, tumour-associated translocations, retroviral structures, HLA polymorphism and lymphokines. Because this method will make it possible to identify previously unknown structures, it is particulary suitable for diagnosis in the broad field of degenerative and inflammatory diseases of the nervous system. This study surveys the present usage and future significance of PCR for practical medicine, and its potential for disease identification.