Podcast
Questions and Answers
What condition is characterized by high levels of nitrogenous materials in the blood?
What condition is characterized by high levels of nitrogenous materials in the blood?
How does excess ammonia (NH3) affect the brain's neurotransmitter balance?
How does excess ammonia (NH3) affect the brain's neurotransmitter balance?
What is the main treatment for asterixis caused by ammonia toxicity?
What is the main treatment for asterixis caused by ammonia toxicity?
What conversion occurs in the brain due to excess glutamate when ammonia is elevated?
What conversion occurs in the brain due to excess glutamate when ammonia is elevated?
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What is the physiological consequence of NH4+ not being able to permeate membranes?
What is the physiological consequence of NH4+ not being able to permeate membranes?
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Study Notes
Ammonia Toxicity
- BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) measures total nitrogen (urea, NH4+, uric acid, etc.)
- Azotemia: high levels of nitrogenous materials in the blood (high BUN)
- Azoturia: high levels of nitrogenous materials in urine
- Ammonia (NH3) is not membrane permeable, exists in equilibrium with NH4+
- NH3 readily passes through membranes
- The brain is very sensitive to NH3
- Excess NH3 converts to glutamate (excitatory neurotransmitter)
- Glutamine: Excess glutamate is normally converted to glutamine by astrocytes
- Liver failure: In liver failure, excess glutamate builds up in neurons, converting some to GABA(inhibitory neurotransmitter) and causes effects like Asterixis (flapping tremor, liver flap) and coma
- Asterixis treatment: Administering lactulose (galactose + fructose disaccharide) helps bind NH4+ and remove it in the feces as organic acids.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the effects of ammonia toxicity, particularly in the context of liver failure. It covers related terms such as azotemia and azoturia, and the role of neurotransmitters like glutamate and GABA. Test your understanding of ammonia's impact on brain function and treatment options like lactulose.
