Brain proteins in hepatic encephalopathy.
Brain proteins were analyzed in supra- and infratentorial structures of 6 patients dying from liver failure. An equal number of patients, lacking any evidence of liver disease or neurological disorder, served as controls. The results were related to regional light microscopic findings. Hepatic coma was associated with a marked reduction of soluble brain proteins, particularly in areas of grey matter. The protein loss is probably neuronal and may be secondary to abnormalities in glial function. Implications for the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy are discussed.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000418:Albumins / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D002556:Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*
D000418:Albumins; D002556:Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins