ENZYMATIC STUDIES IN LIVER DISEASE. STUDIES OF THYMOL AND ZINC TURBIDITY TESTS
Abstract
Following administration of c rbon tetrachloride to mice, lowered concentrations of dihydrodipho phopyridine nucleotides (DPNH) concentrations were observed in liver. Diphosphopyridine nucleotide (DPN) concentrations were unchanged. Ammonium concentrations were the same in injured livers as controls. However, ammonium formation was greater in livers of CCl4 treated mice, an effect attributed to decreased ammonium removal in part because of impaired glutamic dehydrogenase activity. Addition of DPNH and alpha ketoglutarate, substrates for glu amic dehydrogenase, prevented further accumulation of ammonium in br is of injured livers. DPNH alone was less effective. Patients in hepatic coma tended to have high DPN concentrations in erythrocytes. Therapeutic administration of nicotinic acid was a contributing cause. Tissue breakdown may have provided substrates for increased synthesis. A major source of error in blood and tissue ammonia measurements was identified, namely, decomposition of protein by alkali. A revised method was developed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 31, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0261404
Entities
People
- John G. Reinhold
Organizations
- University of Pennsylvania