[The cerebrospinal fluid from healthy pigs and pigs with central nervous system diseases]

Abstract

CSF samples were taken from 50 healthy pigs of both sexes and cytologically and biochemically examined. With the aid of regression calculations it was investigated, whether deep freezing of CSF samples influences the laboratory results. The parameters glucose, urea, creatinine, total protein, magnesium, anorganic phosphate, AST and AP were in good agreement with the values of the original samples exhibiting only slight variations. Minor age relationship was only seen with respect to the two enzymes LDH and HBDH. A linear relationship was found between values in CSF and in serum of the parameters urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium. CSF examination should include cell count, Pandy's test and bacteriological investigation as well as the determination of the levels of the enzymes LDH and HBDH. The activity of the enzymes AST and ALT increases along with the severity of the tissue damage (meningitis). The specific gravity increases similarly to the total protein level in cases of chronic compression of the spinal cord, and Pandy's test becomes positive. However, CSF glucose levels are partly reduced in animals with central nervous symptoms. The levels of the enzymes AP and CK are often increased in central nervous disturbances, but do not admit drawing a conclusion on the degree of damage.