The Effect of Sustained Hyperammonemia upon the Metabolic State of the Brain

Abstract

The effects of sustained hyperammonemia upon the cerebral energy state and upon extra- and intracellular acid-base parameters were evaluated in lightly anesthetized normocapnic rats. The hyperammonemia was associated with decreased pools of labile phosphates (PCr and ATP) in spite of unchanged intracellular pH, thus indicating an unbalanced energy metabolism. A functional depletion of α-ketoglutarate is discussed as a possible mechanism.

Key Words:

• Cerebral energy state
• extra- and intracellular pH
• sustained hyperammonemia