Kidney as a Source of Blood Ammonia

Summary The effect of intravenous chlorothiazide on arterial ammonia concentration and release of ammonia into renal vein was studied in 7 patients with Laennec's cirrhosis. Rapid and significant increases in quantity of ammonia released into the renal vein were observed along with progressive rise in arterial ammonia concentration. The data demonstrate the kidney's importance in the pathogenesis of hyperammonemia which follows intravenous chlorothiazide.