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Neurotransmitters in cerebrospinal fluid reflect pathological activity
J F Stover1, U E Pleines, M C Morganti-Kossmann
1Institute for Neurosurgical Pathophysiology, Mainz, Germany.
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|February 18, 1998
Summary
Elevated glutamate and aspartate levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) indicate neurological damage in conditions like meningitis and multiple sclerosis (MS). Taurine increases suggest glutamate toxicity, aiding in diagnosing brain and spinal cord pathologies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Excitatory neurotransmitters glutamate and aspartate can cause neurotoxicity when extracellular levels rise due to neuronal, glial, or endothelial damage.
- Taurine, involved in volume regulation, is released during excitotoxin-induced cell swelling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glutamate and aspartate levels can identify neuropathology in neurological patients.
- To investigate if taurine levels can indicate glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of neurotransmitter levels (glutamate, aspartate, taurine) in lumbar CSF.
- Assessment of blood-brain barrier integrity using the albumin ratio.
- Evaluation of precursor amino acid levels (glutamine, asparagine).
Main Results:
- Glutamate and aspartate levels were doubled in patients with viral meningitis, acute multiple sclerosis (MS), and myelopathy compared to controls.
- Increased taurine levels were observed in meningitis, acute MS, and myelopathy.
- Elevated neurotransmitter levels were independent of blood-brain barrier status, precursor availability, or cell lysis.
Conclusions:
- CSF analysis of glutamate, aspartate, and taurine can reveal cerebral and spinal neuropathology.
- These findings suggest glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity in specific neurological conditions.
- Identifying these patients may facilitate targeted treatment with receptor-modulating agents.