The role of the octanoic fatty acid in the pathogenesis of the metabolic alkalosis in experimental liver failure
Mitkov, D.
Folia Medica 35(1-2): 23-27
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0204-8043 PMID: 8194797 Document Number: 415607
Octanoate was found to stimulate the muscle proteins catabolism in rats with portacaval anastomosis thus increasing the amounts of 3-methylhistidine, creatinine, ammonium and urea in the excreted urine. The intensive decomposition of the endogenous proteins also produced great amounts of HCO3- whose levels increased in both the urine and blood. It is suggested that in hepatic insufficiency octanoate causes metabolic acidosis through: a) more intensive catabolism of the muscle proteins whose decomposition results in greater amounts of HCO3-, b) metabolization of octanoate to HCO3-, and c) inhibition of the ornithine cycle.