Ammonia in serum
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Ammonia - a product of protein metabolism, is formed in all tissues. The largest amount of ammonia (80%) is formed inside the intestines under the influence of bacteria. Nitrogenous compounds such as amino acids, uric acid, urea in the presence of bacterial enzymes (protease, urease, amine oxidase) are metabolized to ammonia. Ammonia is also formed in the cells of the intestinal mucosa from glutamine. Metabolism of ammonia to urea occurs in the liver during the ornithine cycle. This process can be disrupted both as a result of hyperproduction of ammonia in the intestine, and, due to the reduction of its transformation into urea in the pathology of the liver.
Reference values for the concentration of ammonia (ammonia nitrogen) in serum
|
Age |
Concentration of ammonia in serum |
|
|
μg / dl |
μmol / l |
|
|
Newborns |
90-150 |
64-107 |
|
0-2 weeks |
79-129 |
56-92 |
|
Older than 1 month |
29-70 |
21-50 |
|
Adults |
15-45 |
11-32 |
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