Cerebrospinal Fluid Glutamic Oxalacetic Transaminase Activity in Neurologic Disease

Abstract

Cerebrospinal fluid transaminase activity was increased in 64% of cerebral infarctions. Levels had prognostic value, being roughly proportional to the magnitude and rapidity of tissue destruction. Cerebrospinal fluid activity reached high levels by the third day, and in some cases continued to increase over several months. In addition to cerebral infarctions, increased activity was found in cerebral hemorrhages, vascular syndromes of the spinal cord, and in some acute cases of multiple sclerosis. Primary brain tumors were not associated with elevations, thus aiding clinical differentiation from infarctions. Increases in serum activity due to liver or muscle disease did not appreciably alter cerebrospinal fluid activity.