[Ceruloplasmin activity in the blood during progressive diseases of the central nervous system]

Ceruloplasmin (CP) preparations have been used as the reference agents in transition of this protein oxidase activity to blood serum concentrations; the mean concentrations of serum CP varied from 175 to 310 mg/l, depending on the biochemical characteristics of the preparations. Adjustment by the blood serum copper level has proved adequate for clinical studies. CP activity has been found increased in some patients with disseminated sclerosis and lateral amyotrophic sclerosis. CP activity grows with age in normal subjects and in the patients with hereditary extrapyramidal and cerebellar diseases and phenocopies thereof (except hepatocerebral dystrophy). CP activity is higher in women than in men.