Norepinephrine and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl glycol gradients in human cerebrospinal fluid.

The presence of abnormal levels of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl glycol (MHPG) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of some patients with affective disorders may indicate abnormal norepinephrine metabolism in these patients. The authors evaluated the relationship between norepinephrine and MHPG in CSF and found that both are present in increasing levels as more CSF is removed from the lumbar puncture needle. Norepinephrine and MHPG are closely related, although norepinephrine levels are more variable within and between subjects. Both norepinephrine and MHPG levels in CSF should provide important information about norepinephrine metabolism in affective disorders.