equis - Articles
CSF: protein
Overview
- Total protein and protein fractions vary with type of central nervous system (CNS) pathology and etiology.
- Normally low, ie much less than plasma protein, increased protein in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may be due to altered permeability of the blood brain barrier (mainly albumin) and/or local immunoglobulin production.
- Most proteins are derived from plasma by diffusion, some immunoglobulins are from intrathecal biosynthesis.
- Specific quantities of IgG and albumin are usually determined.
Uses
In combination
- With cell count CSF: cell count and differential to differentiate inflammatory from non-inflammatory or necrotic degenerative disease.
Sampling
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Tests
Methodologies
- Microprotein method: accurate at low protein concentrations.
- Precipitation and dye-binding methods.
- Urinary protein re-agent strips for detection of grossly elevated total protein.
- Protein electrophoresis → relative proportions, eg albumin versus globulin, helps identify source of protein: via increased permeability of blood-brain barrier or from local source (production by meninges).
Validity
Sensitivity
- Microprotein method, sensitive to 0.1 g/l.
Result Data
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Johnson P J & Constantinescu G M (2000) Collection of cerebrospinal fluid in horses. Equine Vet Educ 12, 7-12.
- Johnson P J & Constantinescu G M (2000) Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid in horses. Equine Vet Educ 12, 13-17.
- Miller M M, Sweeney C R, Russell G E et al (1999) Effects of blood contamination of cerebrospinal fluid on Western blot analysis for detection against sarcocystis neurona and on albumin quotient and IgG index in horses. JAVMA 215, 67-71 PubMed.