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Parkinson's disease is due to a degeneration predominantly of dopaminergic neurons, Alzheimer's of cholinergic neurons while other aminergic neurotransmitter systems are involved to a lesser degree. It is discussed controversially in how far the CSF concentrations of amines/metabolites might contribute to differential diagnosis (Gibson et al., 1985).CSF and serum were obtained from 43 patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases (Fig. 1). Amines and metabolites were determined by HPLC-EC. Neuropsychiatric impairments as well as brain atrophy and generalized abnormalities of the EEG were rated from '0' to '3' (severe). Patients were split in subgroups according to the presence/absence of psychotropic medication during the week before lumbar puncture. Data were analysed by linear correlations. ANOVA and t-tests (threshold: p < 0.05).Previous findings of differences in CSF amines/metabolites between Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease could not be replicated, possibly due to preceding drug treatment. The only significant laboratory results were an increase of CSF 5-HIAA in Alzheimer patients 409-

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