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CSF galanin and cognition after shunt surgery in normal pressure hydrocephalus

Authors :
Juan Sahuquillo
M Del Mar Matarín
Rosa Galard
Maria Mataró
Maria A. Poca
Roberto Catalán
Source :
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY NEUROSURGERY AND PSYCHIATRY, r-FSJD: Repositorio Institucional de Producción Científica de la Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, ResearcherID, r-FSJD. Repositorio Institucional de Producción Científica de la Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, instname
Publication Year :
2003
Publisher :
BMJ, 2003.

Abstract

Background: “Normal” pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is associated with injury to neurotransmitter and neuropeptide systems that recovers after surgery. This could be linked to changes in galanin, a neuropeptide with inhibitory effects on basal forebrain cognitive function. Objective: To examine changes in CSF galanin concentrations in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus undergoing shunt surgery, and to investigate the relation between these changes and cognitive functioning. Methods: Eight patients underwent surgery for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. Lumbar CSF galanin determinations, cognitive status, and clinical status were quantified before operation and six months after. Cognition was assessed by an extensive battery of tests measuring attention, memory, speed of mental processing, visuospatial function, and frontal lobe function. Results: CSF galanin concentration decreased after surgery. This reduction correlated with improved clinical and cognitive functioning, specifically with attention and visuomotor speed, visuoconstructive and frontal functioning, and clinical status according to the NPH scale, including the sphincter and cognitive components. Conclusions: The cognitive and clinical improvement after shunt implantation correlated with CSF galanin levels, suggesting that the distribution or function of this agent involves cerebral structures that have some potential for recovery. In this study, galanin was related to several cognitive functions that may be associated with the fronto-subcortical deficits underlying cognitive dysfunction in normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Details

ISSN :
00223050
Volume :
74
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....b04c2d83f9d5174918b2910a5ec713d4