Accumulation of manganese and copper in pallidum of cirrhotic patients: role in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy?
Concentrations of zinc, copper and manganese were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry in samples of globus pallidus obtained at autopsy from 9 patients with chronic liver disease and an equal number of age-matched controls. Manganese concentrations were significantly increased several fold (p < 0.01) in globus pallidus of liver disease patients accompanied by smaller but significant 2-fold increases of copper. Zinc concentrations, on the other hand, were within normal limits. Increased pallidal manganese offers a cogent explanation for the observed T1-weighted MRI signal hyperintensity in pallidum of cirrhotic patients. Increased copper content in brain suggests the existence of common pathophysiologic mechanisms in inherited (Wilson Disease) and acquired hepatocerebral disorders.
Layrargues
G P
GP
Liver Unit, Hôpital Saint-Luc (University of Montreal), Quebec.
Shapcott
D
D
Spahr
L
L
Butterworth
R F
RF
D000368:Aged; D003300:Copper / Q000378:metabolism*; D005917:Globus Pallidus / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008345:Manganese / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013054:Spectrophotometry, Atomic
D008345:Manganese; D003300:Copper