INCREASED S100-BETA IN THE CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID OF PATIENTS WITH FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA

Levels of S100 beta, a calcium-binding protein found in astrocytes, we re measured using a sandwich ELISA in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease and com pared with controls. Mean CSF S100 beta concentrations were significan tly raised in patients with frontotemporal dementia when compared with healthy controls (0.49 +/- 0.28 vs. 0.22 +/- 0.08 ng/ml, P < 0.001). There was no correlation between age at disease onset, disease severit y or length of illness. The increased concentration of CSF S100 beta s een in frontotemporal dementia may reflect the marked astrocytosis see n in this condition. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.