Influx of Sodium Thiocyanate into Cerebrospinal Fluid in Normal and Vitamin A Deficient Calves

Abstract

Summary The influx of thiocyanate ion (SCN) from the blood to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was studied in normal and vitamin A deficient Holstein calves to provide information on the mechanism whereby the CSF pressure is increased in vitamin A deficiency. Mean CSF pressures in the normal group during the experiment were 97mm, whereas the deficient animals exhibited mean pressures of 173mm. SCN concentrations were determined in CSF and blood samples taken hourly during the first 9 hr and at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr after injecting NaSCN intravenously. While the SCN concentrations in CSF and serum were slightly higher in the deficient calves, CSF thiocyanate values expressed as per cent of the serum level were very similar in both normal and deficient groups. The kinetics of penetration indicated that SCN moves from the blood stream to the CSF at rates quantitatively similar in normal and vitamin A deficient calves.