Potential toxins of acute liver failure and their effects on blood-brain barrier permeability.

The effects of potentials toxins of hepatic coma on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability of the rat have been examined using the Oldendorf technique. Classical toxins of hepatic failure such as ammonia, methyl octanoate, mercaptans, and phenol caused significant increases in BBB permeability. A slight increase in permeability occurred following infusion of peroxidized linoleic acid and unconjugated bilirubin but no increase after infusion of bile acids. E. coli endotoxin infused into rats following partial hepatectomy also increased the BBB permeability.