FREE-RADICALS IN THE CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID ARE ASSOCIATED WITH NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS INCLUDING MITOCHONDRIAL ENCEPHALOMYOPATHY

The free radical levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of 8 patients with neurological diseases and 9 undergoing lumbar anesthesia for surgery w ere measured. The ascorbate free radical level 10 min after lumbar pun cture showed a positive correlation with the hydroxyl radical level. I n the patient with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, the levels of hydr osyl and ascorbate free radicals increased upon discontinuation of tre atment and decreased upon its resumption, and the ascorbate free radic al levels without therapy fell after lumbar puncture. The free radical levels in the cerebrospinal fluid may reflect the degree of oxidative stress in the central nervous system.