Relationship between plasma benzodiazepine receptor ligand concentrations and severity of hepatic encephalopathy.

摘要: Levels of benzodiazepine receptor ligands were measured in plasma samples from 25 patients various stages hepatic encephalopathy due to fulminant liver failure who not exposed pharmaceutical benzodiazepines immediately before or during hospitalization. Chromatographic analysis extracted revealed one nine fractions containing material that competitively inhibited [3H]flumazenil binding receptors with the pharmacological properties agonists. Two these peaks positively identified as 1,4-benzodiazepines diazepam and N-desmethyldiazepam on basis chromatographic, ultraviolet mass spectral evidence. The levels significantly increased above control values stage 4 encephalopathy, whereas total ligand concentrations 1 through 4. A significant but weak linear correlation was found between relative increase diazepam, severity encephalopathy. Thus appear contribute enhancement GABAergic neurotransmission particularly These results constitute further support for a role pathogenesis associated acute failure. (Hepatology 1994;19:112-121).