Some Aspects of Ammonia Toxicity in Animal Cells

Abstract

Experimental data from plants, fish eggs, erythrocytes, peach trees, fish, the mammalian kidney and intact higher animals are reviewed which emphasize the influence of pH on ammonia toxicity. The terminology associated with ammonia and urea toxicity is discussed in relation to possible errors in interpretation. Enzymatic aberrations due to ammonia toxicity are included. Data are discussed concerning harmful effects from low concentrations of ammonia produced by hydrolysis of endogenous urea. Equations are included for calculating ratios of ionic to non-ionic ammonia in biological systems.