Effects of ammonia in primary astrocyte cultures morphological and biochemical considerations

Ammonia is believed to have a significant role in the pathogenesis of a number of neurological disorders. The exact mechanism of ammonia neurotoxicity, however, is still poorly understood. In view of current evidence implicatingastrocytes in ammonia metabolism as well as morphological observations suggesting the astrocyte as the target of ammonia toxicity, we have investigated the effects of ammonia on astrocytes in primary culture. Especially with higher concentrations and longer exposure, the results indicate that ammonia induces astrocytic injury associated with functional failure. These astrocytic alterations may contribute to the pathogenesis of ammonia encephalopathy.