Immunoglobulins in cerebrospinal fluid--enzyme-immunoassay.

Using an enzyme-immunoassay (EIA) technique we established control values for IgA and IgM in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). These values, together with IgG values determined by single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) technique, showed significant positive correlations with CSF total protein values. The CSF IgA and IgM levels were related to corresponding levels determined in serum. In addition, the values for all 3 immunoglobulin classes in CSF as well as CSF total protein values showed positive correlation with age of subjects, and IgG% and IgA% inreased with age. This new EIA procedure can be completed within 24 h and is sensitive enough for determining all 3 immunoglobulin classes using a small amount (100 microliter or less) of native CSF.