American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 53, 95-99, Copyright © 1991 by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Inc

ORIGINAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS

Vitamin E (tocopherols) in human cerebrospinal fluid

GT Vatassery, MJ Nelson, GJ Maletta and MA Kuskowski
Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55417.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood were obtained at the time of myelographic examinations from 40 adult, male, human subjects with no neurologic or metabolic abnormalities. Vitamin E (tocopherols) concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography. In subjects with normal concentrations of CSF protein (n = 22), the alpha- and gamma-tocopherol concentrations were 29.2 +/- 9.5 (mean +/- SD) and 6.5 +/- 3.6 nmol/L, respectively, in CSF and 26.0 +/- 8.1 and 6.0 +/- 3.6 mumol/L, respectively, in serum. The concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in CSF correlated significantly (P less than 0.001) with both total protein and albumin concentrations, suggesting that tocopherol transport into CSF is linked with that of plasma proteins. In vitro oxidation of vitamin E in CSF by the free-radical generator 2,2'-azobis- (2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride showed a measurable induction (lag) period. This is due to the presence of other antioxidants in human CSF.

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