[Monoamine concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with subarachnoid aneurysm]

Using a spectrofluorometric method, the concentration of the major monoamines, norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic (5-HIAA) was determined in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with subarachnoid aneurysm before its rupture. DA, 5-HT, and 5-HIAA levels in CSF were found significantly increased when compared with the corresponding values found in persons with no clinical alterations of central nervous system (CNS). No significant differences were seen in NE values in CSF when data from patients with subarachnoid aneurysm were compared to their control subjects. Data obtained suggest that of NE diffusion to CSF could be at a different rate than that of the other monoamines measured. Alternatively, the reuptake of NE could vary in relation with that to the other monoamines in the affected brain tissue during the onset and development of the aneurysm. Results may also indicate a possible accumulation of NE in brain tissue adjacent to the damaged areas as a result of an increased monoaminergic activity, which, could be involved in the pathophysiology of aneurysm rupture.