Glutamine synthetase (GS) in brain is located mainly in astrocytes. One of the primary roles
of astrocytes is to protect neurons against excitotoxicity by taking up excess ammonia and
glutamate and converting it into glutamine via the enzyme GS. Changes in GS expression
may reflect changes in astroglial function, which can affect neuronal functions.
Hyperammonemia is an important factor responsible of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and
causes astroglial swelling. Hyperammonemia can be experimentally induced and an …