The effect of hepatectomy on the energy state and on acid-base variables of the rat brain.

The influence of hepatectomy on cerebral energy metabolism was studied in rats in which an end-to-side portacaval anastomosis had been performed one week earlier. The hepatectomy gave rise to an exaggeration of the increase in tissue ammonia content resulting from the shunt. Three hours after the hepatectomy there was a fall in tissue glutamate content but no change in alpha-ketoglutarate. The energy state of the tissue, as evaluated from the concentrations of ATP, ADP, and AMP, was unchanged. There was a significant increase in cerebrospinal fluid pH but no change in intracellular pH.