Hepatic encephalopathy ammonia, role

Baraldi M, Pinelli G, Ricci P, Zeneroli ML Toxins in hepatic encephalopathy The role of the synergistic effect of ammonia, mercaptans and short chain fatty acids. Arch Toxicol 1984 7 103-105. 

Infection, gastrointestinal bleeding or injudicious use of sedatives and diuretics can precipitate hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients. The pathophysiology is complex but ammonia appears to hold a central role. Derived mainly from the action of colonic urease-containing bacteria, ammonia is... 

Walker, C.O., Schenker, S. Pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy with special reference to the role of ammonia. Amer. J. Clin. Nutr. 1970 23 619-632... 

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