Beta2-Microglobulin ( β 2-m) is a low molecular weight protein occurring in all body fluids. Its concentration increases in various pathologies. Increased values in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are ascribed to an activation of immune system. Using immunoturbidimetry, we examined concentrations of beta2-microglobulin in cerebrospinal fluid in a large group of 6274 patients with defined neurological diseases. Cell counts, total protein, albumin, glucose, lactic acid, immunoglobulins concentrations, and isofocusing (IEF) were also evaluated. We found substantial changes of CSF β 2-m concentrations in purulent meningitis, leptomeningeal metastasis, viral meningitis/encephalitis, and neuroborreliosis, while in multiple sclerosis these changes were not significant. Intrathecal synthesis and immune activation were present in these clinical entities. A new normative study enables better understanding of beta2-microglobulin behavior in CSF.

Department of Clinical Biochemistry Thomayer Hospital Vídeňská 800 140 00 Prague Czech Republic

Department of Neurology Central Military Hospital U Vojenské nemocnice 1200 167 00 Prague Czech Republic ; Department of Neurology of the 3rd Medical Faculty Charles University Šrobárova 50 101 00 Prague Czech Republic

Department of Neurology RHG City Hospital Mostní 934 278 01 Kralupy nad Vltavou Czech Republic

Statistical Unit Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine Vídeňská 1958 9 140 21 Prague Czech Republic

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