In a group of 3 068 patients with neurological diseases, CSF and serum concentrations of transferrin were measured simultaneously with the other protein fractions: immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM), albumin, a1-micro- globulin, complement (C3, C4), antithrombin III, the other apolipoproteins (Apo A-I, Apo A-II, Apo B), acute phase reactants (prealbumin, a1-antitrypsin, CRP, orosomucoid, fibrinogen, haptoglobin) (Turbox-Orion analyzer). Transferrin concentrations were compared with concentrations of the other CSF protein fractions using linear regression analysis both in the group of patients with normal biochemical and cytological CSF findings and after division of the group according to the presence of specific cytological and biochemical CSF syndromes. Specific biological function of transferrin was observed, it behaves as a substantial inflammatory marker, and its concentration in inflammatory diseases of CNS is increased. In patients with malignancies of the CNS, a marked decrease of the serum transferrin concentration was observed.

        Key words: transferrin, acute phase proteins, CSF cytology.