Normal electrolytes value in cerebrospinal fluid and serum in the Iranian Khuzestan buffaloes

To determine concentrations of certain electrolytes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of Khuzestan native buffaloes, samples of CSF from lumbosacral cistern and blood from jugular vein were obtained from 70 clinically-healthy male (n = 30) and female (n = 40), mature (n = 34) and immature (n = 36) animals. Samples were analyzed for sodium and potassium by flame photometry, magnesium by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, calcium by ortocresol phetalein method and phosphorous by phosphomolibdate method using an automated biochemical analyzer. Statistical analyses showed that regardless of age and sex, the mean values of sodium (139.0 ± 0.70 mmol/1) and magnesium (1.50 ± 0.24 mmol/1) in CSF were significantly (P 0.001) higher than their mean values in serum; 134.5 ± 63 mmol/1 and 0.72 ± 0.08 mmol/1, respectively. However, the mean values of potassium (3.47 ± 0.67 mmol/1), calcium (2.14 ± 0.25 mmol/1) and phosphorus (1.22 ± 0.17 mmol/1) in CSF were significantly (P 0.001) lower than their mean values in serum; 5.34 ± 0.92 mmol/1,2.33 ± 0.17 mmol/1 and 1.44 ± 0.08 mmol/1, respectively. Moreover, in males, females, matures and immature animals, the mean values of sodium and magnesium in CSF were significantly higher than those in the serum and the mean values of potassium, calcium and phosphorus in serum were significantly higher than those in CSF (PO.01). Age of animals did not affect any of these electrolytes. The mean value of serum phosphorus in females was significantly higher than that in males (PO.001). However, the mean values for potassium, calcium and phosphorus in CSF were significantly higher in males than in females (P 0.05).