title: Brain edema in acute liver failure. Insight from experimental studies.
abstract: Brain edema is a leading cause of death in fulminant hepatic failure (FHP). Animal studies are needed to gain further insight into its pathogenesis. The authors describe and analyze the results of brain studies in two animal models of FHF, the rabbit with galactosamine induced hepatitis and the anhepatic model of liver desvascularization. A gravimetric technique is used to determine water content in brain samples as small as 10 mg in weight. Results showed that water content is increased and correlates with the severity of encephalopathy in both experimental models of encephalopathy. The possible pathogenic role of ammonia and octanoic acid are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Lakeside VA Medical Center and Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Andres
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Blei
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Judy
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Cho
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001929:Brain Edema / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002210:Caprylates / Q000378:metabolism; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004285:Dogs; D005688:Galactosamine / Q000633:toxicity; D006498:Hepatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D006499:Hepatic Artery; D022124:Hyperammonemia / Q000150:complications; D019586:Intracranial Hypertension / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008026:Ligation; D008099:Liver / Q000098:blood supply; D017093:Liver Failure / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011167:Portacaval Shunt, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects; D011817:Rabbits; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D002210:Caprylates; D005688:Galactosamine; C031492:octanoic acid