Retinol-binding protein in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).
OBJECTIVE
We postulated that an alteration in endogenous vitamin A (retinol) metabolism plays a causal role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).


METHODS
Serum retinol was determined by a fluorometric method from 40 control subjects and 58 patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Retinol binding protein (RBP) was also assayed by quantitative radial immunodiffusion in 17 control subjects and 30 patients with IIH.


RESULTS
Mean retinol values were higher in the IIH group compared with the control group, but did not reach a significant level. However, seven of 30 patients with IIH had high RBP levels, but none of the control subjects did.


CONCLUSIONS
This data suggests that IIH is associated with an abnormality in vitamin A metabolism that is linked to its transport system.
Selhorst
J B
JB
Department of Neurology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Missouri, USA.
Kulkantrakorn
K
K
Corbett
J J
JJ
Leira
E C
EC
Chung
S M
SM
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011559:Pseudotumor Cerebri / Q000097:blood* / Q000209:etiology; D012177:Retinol-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000097:blood
D012177:Retinol-Binding Proteins; D014801:Vitamin A