LECITHINASES IN NORMAL AND IN PATHOLOGICAL CEREBROSPINAL FLUIDS (CSF). I

Abstract

More than 480 CSF's were examined for lecithinase activity. No lecithin splitting was evident in definitely normal CSF. In 60% of the neurologically normal group moderate phospholipase level was demonstrated. Activity was found in a slightly higher number (64%) of the CSF's of meningitis patients. Of the poliomyelitis group 74% exhibited activity, with more uniformity in, and with higher, values than the first two groups. This finding is correlated with the pathological changes in the peripheral nervous system. The highest enzyme level was found in the syphilitic group, 80% of which showed positive assays. The CSF's of miscellaneous neurological and psychotic conditions occasionally exhibited intense lecithinase activity.