An ELISA technique for the measurement of C1q in cerebrospinal fluid

Determination of the C1q content of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may be of value in understanding the immunological reactions occurring within the central nervous system (CNS). A double sandwich ELISA method has been developed for the detection of C1q in human serum and CSF. It uses polyclonal antibodies and is sensitive in the nanogram range. The mean concentrations of C1q were determined to be 127 micrograms/ml in serum and 0.4 microgram/ml in CSF. These results suggest that increased levels of C1q in the CSF play a role in some neurodegenerative disorders.