[Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S-100b protein in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with cervical spondylosis--the relations with MRI findings and the changes of NSE and S-100b protein levels through Glisson's traction].

We have previously reported that NSE and S-100b protein (S-100) could be used as reliable markers to evaluate the damage of the spinal cord in cervical spondylosis (CS) and ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). In the present study we made MRI in 21 patients with CS. There was a positive correlation between the NSE level in CSF and the degree of the spinal cord compression shown by MRI. In 10 cases of CS we examined these specific protein levels in CSF before and after the Glisson's traction therapy for one month. In seven of them the NSE levels decreased with the clinical improvements. On the other hand, 2 cases showed the rise of NSE levels after the traction. One of them became clinically worse during the therapy, while in another case the NSE levels changed within the normal range. The level of NSE in the other case was unchanged. In 57-year-old patient with CS myelopathy we examined the NSE levels chronologically. The NSE level changed in parallel with his clinical features. We suggest that NSE level in CSF may be a useful marker to estimate the change of the degree of the spinal cord damage in CS.