[Verotoxin induced hemolytic uremic syndrome: pathophysiology of neurological involvement].

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is caused by endothelial cell damages. Ninety percent of children with HUS have verotoxin-producing E.coli infection. Verotoxin binds to glycolipid receptors globotriaosyl ceramide (Gb3), and the difference of Gb3 expression level in each organ would lead to specific organ involvement. The receptors are expressed in human renal cortex and medulla. The expression level of Gb3 in normal human brain has not been characterized completely. However involvement of central nervous system is a severe complication of HUS. Spreading of microvascular thrombosis caused by combined effects of lipopolysaccharide, cytokine, enhanced shear stress, and verotoxin would play a major role in the development of central nervous dysfunction.