Cerebrospinal fluid apolipoprotein E, calcium and cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Biol Res Nurs. 2008 Oct;10(2):102-12. doi: 10.1177/1099800408321722.

Abstract

Intracellular calcium (Ca++) regulation of cerebral vessels is impaired after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), making secondary pathways, such as that involving apolipoprotein E, potentially more influential. To evaluate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) apolipoprotein E and Ca++ levels as biomarkers of cerebral vasospasm, we examined changes in levels over time and apolipoprotein E (APOE) epsilon4 allele presence after SAH in individuals with and without vasospasm. We hypothesized that individuals with low apolipoprotein E levels, increased Ca++ levels and/or at least one copy of the APOE epsilon4 allele would have vasospasm. Daily samples from 50 participants, aged 18-75, with SAH were used to quantify apolipoprotein E and Ca++ levels. Vasospasm was verified using cerebral angiogram and/or elevated transcranial Dopplers in combination with clinical neurologic deterioration. Overall apolipoprotein E levels were higher in individuals with the APOE epsilon4 allele (p = .02) or angiographic vasospasm (p = .01), but there were no differences between individuals with and without symptomatic vasospasm. There were no significant changes in apolipoprotein E levels over time. Individuals with the epsilon4 allele had lower Ca++ levels (p = .02) with trends suggesting a different pattern of change over time (p = .07). CSF Ca++ levels were lower in individuals with symptomatic vasospasm (p < .01). Change in apolipoprotein E and Ca++ levels (p = .006) correlated over time regardless of genotype or vasospasm status. These findings suggest that apolipoprotein E and Ca++ may be interacting after SAH, but this interaction does not appear to influence vasospasm.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Apolipoproteins E / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Calcium / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / complications*
  • Vasospasm, Intracranial / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Vasospasm, Intracranial / complications*

Substances

  • Apolipoproteins E
  • Calcium