Cerebrospinal Fluid Electrolytes after Death

Abstract

Post-mortem changes of cerebrospinal fluid electrolytes include marked increases of K and inorganic P, moderate increases of Mg, slight to moderate decreases of Na, chlorides and HCO3 and relative stability of Ca. The acid-base equilibrium is shifted to the alkaline side by a deficit of anions in contrast to the actual acidity as determined by pH measurements, presumably due to liberation of organic acid radicals. Most changes may be interpreted by greater permeability of cell membranes due to autolysis.