Changes in the Free Amino Acid Composition of Cerebrospinal Fluid in Liver Disease

Summary The amino acid composition of deproteinized cerebrospinal fluid was quantitatively determined by paper chromatography in 25 healthy adults, 28 patients with hepatic disease, (16 with hepatic coma, and 12 without coma). A significant increase of all free amino acids in the cerebrospinal fluid of those with hepatic coma was found. There was also an increased concentration of 14 free amino acids in the fluid of patients with liver disease without coma. Methionine sulfone and methionine sulfoxide were also found as pathologic breakdown products in the fluid of those with hepatic coma. A decrease in oxidative properties of the liver is suggested as a possible cause.