Vitamin E (tocopherols) in human cerebrospinal fluid

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood were obtained at the time of myelographic examinations from 40 adult, male, human subjects with no neurologic or metabolic abnormalities. Vitamin E (tocopherols) concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography. In subjects with normal concentrations of CSF protein (n = 22), the α- and γ-tocopherol concentrations were 29.2 ± 9.5 (x̄ ± SD) and 6.5 ± 3.6 nmol/ L, respectively, in CSF and 26.0 ± 8.1 and 6.0 ± 3.6 μmol/L, respectively, in serum. The concentrations of α-tocopherol in CSF correlated significantly (P < 0.001) with both total protein and albumin concentrations, suggesting that tocopherol transport into CSF is linked with that of plasma proteins. In vitro oxidation of vitamin E in CSF by the free-radical generator 2,2′-azobis-(2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride showed a measurable induction (lag) period. This is due to the presence of other antioxidants in human CSF.