Separation of cerebrospinal fluid proteins using capillary electrophoresis: A potential method for the diagnosis of neurological disorders

Abstract

A method for the analysis of proteins in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using free solution capillary electrophoresis (FSCE) was developed, in which the adsorption of proteins to the fused silica capillary wall was virtually eliminated. FSCE was carried out on 30 randomly selected CSF samples. Good sensitivity and resolution was obtained with minimal baseline noise. These preliminary results clearly demonstrated the potential of FSCE to analyse proteins in CSF, both qualitatively and quantitatively more rapidly than has been possible hitherto. A total run time of approximately 30 min allowed between 20 to 25 peaks to be separated. Many peaks with long migration times were detected in CSF that appeared to be specific since they were not detectable in corresponding serum samples. The separation patterns for most of the CSF samples selected showed relatively similar patterns but there were often minor qualitative and quantitative differences. Four CSF samples showed patterns that were significantly different from the others, primarily in the peaks with long migration times. A larger clinical study is now being undertaken.

The analysis of human amniotic fluid using capillary electrophoresis

“…There is, therefore, a need for an automated, rapid system that uses small volumes of AF. Although, much research has been undertaken to assess the components of AF, especially proteins; as far as we are aware, capillary electrophoresis (CE) has not been used for the analysis of AF despite CE having been proven useful in the analysis of proteins in other biofluids including serum/plasma [4], cerebrospinal fluid [5] and synovial fluid [6]. In this study, we have developed, optimized and validated a CE separation of the major components found in AF.…”

The Analysis of Aqueous Humor Constituents Using Capillary Zone Electrophoresis

“…40 m sodium tetraborate buffer adjusted to pH 9n4 with 1  sodium hydroxide and containing methyl cellulose at a final concentration of 0n4 g l −" (Cowdrey et al, 1995). The detector was situated 70 cm from the inlet end of the column.…”

“…A method has recently been developed which uses free solution capillary electrophoresis for the analysis of proteins in human cerebrospinal fluid using sub microlitre volumes of unconcentrated sample (Cowdrey, Firth and Firth, 1995). The present study now describes the extension of this approach to enable the simultaneous determination of protein and other constituents in equally small volumes of aqueous humor.…”

Capillary Electrophoresis in Clinical Chemistry

“…34 • 35 UV-absorbing compounds, including proteins in synovial fluid from patients with arthritic disease, have been separated by CE. 36 Recently, methods for plasma lipoproteins by CE have been published;" although most workers" have used cITP for these compounds.…”