PROTEINERGIC PROFILES IN CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID FROM ALCOHOLIC SUBJECTS

Minute amounts of cerebrospinal fluid samples from alcoholics were sub jected to separation by HPLC-molecular sieving, combined with multispe ctral UV analysis of the acquired data. A significant difference in th e protein/polypeptide pattern within the molecular weight range of 7-1 0 kDa has been observed between samples, taken directly after detoxifi cation and 2 weeks later. Spectral analysis of the results suggests th at the components are of peptidergic nature. On the other hand, albumi n content did not differ significantly, suggesting that the bloodbrain barrier was not affected. An enzyme marker, dynorphin converting enzy me, remained unchanged in both groups.