CSF myelin basic protein
CSF myelin basic protein is a test to measure the level of myelin basic protein (MBP) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Myelin
Myelin is an insulating layer, or sheath that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord. It is made up of protein and fatty ...
The CSF is the clear liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
MBP is found in the material that covers many of your nerves.
How the Test is Performed
A sample of spinal fluid is needed. This is done using a lumbar puncture .
Lumbar puncture
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...
Why the Test is Performed
This test is done to see if myelin is breaking down. Multiple sclerosis is the most common cause for this, but other causes may include:
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).
- Bleeding of the central nervous system
-
Central nervous system trauma
Central nervous system trauma
Spinal cord trauma is damage to the spinal cord. It may result from direct injury to the cord itself or indirectly from disease of the nearby bones,...
- Certain brain diseases (encephalopathies)
- Infection of the central nervous system
-
Stroke
Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack. " If blood flow is cut off for longer th...
Normal Results
In general, there should be less than 4 ng/mL of myelin basic protein in the CSF.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Myelin basic protein levels between 4 to 8 ng/mL may be a sign of a chronic breakdown of myelin. It may also indicate recovery from an acute episode of myelin breakdown.
Chronic
Chronic refers to something that continues over an extended period of time. A chronic condition is usually long-lasting and does not easily or quick...
Acute
Acute means sudden or severe. Acute symptoms appear, change, or worsen rapidly. It is the opposite of chronic.
If the myelin basic protein level is greater than 9 ng/mL, myelin is actively breaking down.
References
Greene, DN, Schmidt, RL, Wilson, AR, et al. Cerebrospinal fluid myelin basic protein is frequently ordered but has little value. Am J Clin Pathol. 2012:138:262-272 PMID: 22904139 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22904139 .
Houtchens MK, Lublin FD, Miller AE, et al. Multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system. In: Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, eds. Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 54.
Review Date: 6/1/2015
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, MD, Kantor Neurology, Coconut Creek, FL and Immediate Past President of the Florida Society of Neurology (FSN). Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.