Abstract
(1) Cations and anions of postmortem cerebrospinal fluid have been studied in 131 cases, and pH determinations performed in an additional 26 cases. (2) Postmortem changes observed include marked increases of potassium and inorganic phosphorus, moderate increases of magnesium, slight to moderate decreases of sodium, chlorides and HCO3 and a relative stability of calcium ions, the concentration of which approached closely antemortem values. (3) The acid-base equilibrium in postmortem cerebrospinal fluid was found shifted to the alkaline side by a deficit of anions in contrast to the actual acidity as determined by pH measurements, presumably due to liberation of organic acid radicals. (4) Postmortem electrolyte changes may be interpreted by greater permeability of cell membranes due to autolysis, while the increased inorganic phosphorus may result from postmortem esterase activity.
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