Abstract
In previous communications 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 we reported the results of investigations of the passage of bromides from the blood into the cerebrospinal fluid in different types of mental diseases. The determination was carried out by the macrocolorimetric method devised by Walter. 1 In subsequent investigations a microcolorimetric modification of this method 5 was used with similar results. To determine the mechanisms responsible for the peculiar distribution of the bromides between the blood and cerebrospinal fluid in normals and its modifications in mental diseases, it was deemed necessary to make determinations of other cerebrospinal fluid contents simultaneously. 6 , 7 For variations in these other substances may influence the distribution of the bromides.
In this communication we report the relationship of total protein content in the cerebrospinal fluid and the bromide distribution ratio. In 356 consecutive admissions to this hospital, representing most of the mental diseases met with in hospitals for the insane, the total protein content of the cerebrospinal fluid was determined by the Ayer method, 8 at the same time determinations were made of the bromide distribution ratio.
The results were as follows: There was a tendency for the high protein contents to be massed with the high bromide contents and the low protein with the low bromide. This was not consistent, however, as in some cases with high protein a decreased bromide content was found and vice versa. The coefficient of correlation in this group was 0.5734 with a probable error of ±0.0280.
It was somewhat different, however, in the case of the determinations in the special syndromes. (1) The group of cases diagnosed psychopathic personality (37) showed a coefficient of 0.7769 with a probable error of ±0.0440. (2) The group of schizophrenias (82) showed a coefficient of correlation of 0.7000 and probable error of ±0.0380.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.