TRANSFERENCE OF HEPATIC-COMA TO NORMAL RATS FROM GALACTOSAMINE TREATED DONORS BY REVERSE PLASMA-EXCHANGE

It was possible by exchange transfusion to induce the same grade of hepatic coma in normal recipients as had occurred in donors which had previously been treated with D(+) galactosamine hydrochloride (HCl). The exchange transfusion was carried out by carotid arterial and jugular venous cannulation in conscious and unrestrained recipient rats. Thus, the coma inducing compounds generated as a consequence of acute hepatic failure, appear to circulate in the plasma for a considerable time after galactosamine-Hcl is cleared and these substances are able to affect the nervous system in the presence of an intact and functioning normal liver. © 1990, Informa UK Ltd. All rights reserved.