Distribution of protein, lipid and administered bromide between serum and CSF in myxedema.

An analysis of the blond and CSF protein concentration and lipid profiles in 14 patients with clinical myxedema has been presented. In addition, the serum and CSF bromide concentrations were measured following the oral administration of sodium bromide during the preand post-treatment period. While the serum lipids and protein concentrations were noted to be elevated prior to treatment, the CSF constituents were elevated to a greater degree when compared to normal values than serum constituents, and treatment caused a return in concentration towards normal. Both serum and CSF bromide concentrations were elevated in the myxedematous state and returned toward normal following treatment, though a disproportionately greater rise in CSF than serum concentration was noted irrespective of treatment. That the evidence may reflect a breakdown in the ‘blood-CSF barrier” in myxedema, which is partially corrected by treatment, is discussed as a likely explanation for these observations. (Metabolism 17: No. 9, September, 786793, 1968)