[Evaluation of the functional state of the blood-brain barrier by means of the analysis of total protein, albumin level and albumin index of the cerebrospinal fluid in multiple sclerosis].

A method has been evolved for assessing the functional state of the blood-brain barrier based on determinations of albumin level and calculation from it of the so called albumin index in the cerebrospinal fluid. The results obtained by this method were compared with the value of total protein determination in the assessment of the functional state of the blood-brain barrier with regard to serum proteins. The analysis of these results showed that determinations of the albumin level and albumin index is an objective method in the assessment of the blood-brain barrier. Both methods gave similar results. Determination of the total protein level in the cerebrospinal fluid is of only limited value for the assessment of the functional state of blood-brain barrier in multiple sclerosis.