CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID CONCENTRATIONS OF S-ADENOSYLMETHIONINE, METHIONINE, AND 5-METHYLTETRAHYDROFOLATE IN A REFERENCE POPULATION - CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID S-ADENOSYLMETHIONINE DECLINES WITH AGE IN HUMANS

Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of S-adenosylmethionine, methionine, and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate were measued in 80 children and young adults in whom there was no disturbance of the methyl transfer pathway. Cerebrospinal fluid was collected under standardized conditions and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. S-Adenosylmethionine, but not methionine nor 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, concentrations declined sharply during the first year of life. There was no correlation between concentrations of S-adenosylmethionine and methionine or 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. Reference ranges for the three metabolites are given. © 1990.