Plasma phenylethanolamine in hepatic encephalopathy

Abstract
Amines other than octopamine may be involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy. Plasma phenylethanolamine was determined by a radioenzymatic method in 26 biopsy-proven cirrhotics with or without encephalopathy and in 7 normal adults. Phenylethanolamine plasma levels correlated statistically with the presence of liver cirrhosis and severe coma. These results are consistent with the false neurotransmitter hypothesis of hepatic encephalopathy.

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