[New evaluation of effect of total colectomy and intestinal sterilization following portacaval shunt].

The effect of total colectomy and "intestinal sterilisation" following chronic portocaval shunt was investigated in 96 Sprague-Dawley rats: while both therapeutic procedures are of no significant impact on serum ammonia concentrations there is a significant reduction of brain octopamine, a known false neuro-chemical transmitter, and a clear response on aromatic amino acid levels in brain and plasma. The interference with central and peripheral neurotransmitters is suggested as an alternative mechanism in experimental encephalopathy.