Normalization of Abnormal Electroencephalograms in Beagles with Portacaval Anastomosis by Infusion of Solutions Rich in Branched-Chain Amino Acids

The effects of intravenous infusions of amino acid solutions on the electroencephalograms (EEG) and biochemical indices of 12 beagle dogs with a portacaval anastomosis (PCA) were studied in unanesthetized and unrestrained conditions. EEGs were recorded everyday from 2 days after the operation. When the EEGs showed predominant delta and theta frequency bands (slow-wave), solutions of amino acids were infused intravenously at 5 ml/kg/hr for an hour. Blood was withdrawn immediately before and after the infusion to determine plasma amino acids and ammonia.Infusion of amino acid solutions enriched in branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) with restricted aromatic amino acids (AAA) normalized the predominantly slow-wave EEGs. These solutions reduced the increased plasma AAA and ammonia concentrations and increased the lowered plasma BCAA concentrations. The abnormal EEGs were not improved by infusion with a balanced and AAA-enriched amino acid solution for nutritional support of surgical patients and became worse on...