neoFroxx® Urea Crystalline for Analysis, CAS: 57-13-6

A compound (CO(NH2)2), formed in the liver from ammonia produced by the deamination of amino acids. It is the principal end product of protein catabolism and constitutes about one half of the total urinary solids. [ChemIDplus] Used as a mordant in textile dyeing; [www.ci.tucson.az.us/arthazards/medium.html] Used to make fertilizer, feed additives, urea-formaldehyde resins and pharmaceuticals; Humans excrete 20-35 grams per day and have blood levels of 200-400 mg/L. [AIHA]

AIHA - Workplace Environmental Exposure Level Guides, Complete Set and Update Set. Fairfax, VA: AIHA, 2008.

Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

The primary mechanism of ammonia toxicosis appears to be inhibition of the citric acid cycle. There is an increase in anaerobic glycolysis, blood glucose, and blood lactate . Acidosis is manifested. The exact means by which ammonia blocks the citric acid cycle is not known. It is postulated that ammonia saturation of the glutamine-synthesizing system causes a backing-up in the citrate cycle, a decrease in its intermediates, and a decrease in energy production and cellular respiration, which leads to convulsions . The decrease of citrate cycle intermediates is postulated to result from reamination of pyruvic, ketoglutaric, and oxaloacetic acids.

Booth, N.H., L.E. McDonald (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 5th ed. Ames, Iowa: Iowa State University Press, 1982., p. 1031

Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)