[Specific brain antigens--an index of the permeability of the hemato-encephalic barrier in comatose states in children]

Abstract

In 39 children with coma caused by infectious toxicosis, purulent meningoencephalitis and closed head trauma the brain-specific antigens (L1M and L2M globulins) contents were studied in the blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). On days 3 to 5 after the head trauma L1M and L2M were found irregularly. In meningoencephalitis L1M and L2M were detected with a lesser delay. In infectious toxicosis L1M and L2M appeared in blood serum and CSF regularly and early. The data suggest that appearance of brain-specific antigens in blood and CSF in coma reflect a rise in the blood-brain barrier permeability to CSF-blood transport.