Cerebrospinal fluid levels of monoamine compounds and cholecystokinin peptides after exposure to standardized barometric pressure

Background: Connections between mood changes and weather have been describe d throughout the ages, and in more recent years, there have been reports on a relationship between atmospheric pressure and neurotransmitter levels in cerebrospinal fluid. Methods: To further investigate this issue under stri ctly standardized conditions, we have lumbar-punctured 8 healthy males unde r low (963 hPa) and high (1064 hPa) barometric pressure, using a pressure c hamber. Results: Under high pressure, the tyrosine concentrations in the ce rebrospinal fluid (CSF) were lower, while the cholecystokinin tetrapeptide (CCK-4) levels were higher. No differences between low and high pressure we re Found for tryptophan, 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA), dopamine (DA), and sulphated cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8S). The serum level of CCK -8S was higher under high pressure. On comparing concentration ratios betwe en the second and the first CSF fraction, we found significantly increased ratios for homovanillic acid (HVA) and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylglycol (HMP G), but a decreased ratio for tyrosine under high pressure. The difference in the concentration ratios of HVA between low and high pressure correlated negatively with age. Intraspinal pressure correlated negatively with tappi ng time at low pressure. Conclusion: Our results are in line with the hypot hesis that atmospheric pressure influences CSF levels of monoamine compound s and cholecystokinin peptides.