EFFECTS OF ORNITHINE ALPHA-KETOGLUTARATE ON BLOOD INSULIN, GLUCAGON AND AMINO-ACIDS IN ALCOHOLIC CIRRHOSIS

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 30  (3) , 173-177
Abstract
Existing theories about the origins and development of functional hepatic encephalopathy are summarized, and the effects of 6 h i.v. infusions of ornithine .alpha.-ketoglutarate (60 g dissolved in 500 ml distilled water) are reported, administered to 10 patients with ethylic hepatic cirrhosis in conjunction with a normal protein intake (70 g/day). Arterial blood ammonemia, venous blood aminoacidemia and the insulin/glucagon ratio did not vary during or after infusion. This method of treatment seems to meet the protein requirements of these undernourished patients.