Y. Ihara et al., FREE-RADICALS IN THE CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID ARE ASSOCIATED WITH NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS INCLUDING MITOCHONDRIAL ENCEPHALOMYOPATHY, Biochemistry and molecular biology international, 42(5), 1997, pp. 937-947
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.