Meth Labs, Wood Treatments, Pesticides and Ammonia Toxicity on Astrocytes~!

Astrocytes: (astroglia) : are characteristic star-shaped glial cells in the brain and spinal cord. They perform many functions, including biochemical support of endothelial cells which form the blood-brain barrier, provision of nutrients to the nervous tissue, maintenance of extracellular ion balance, and a principal role in the repair and scarring process of the brain and spinal cord following traumatic injuries. (Wipedia: Astrocytes)

This study would suggest that any condition that impairs the antioxidant system which has a primary role in protecting astrocytes against damage (ie Nrf2)  would augment the toxicity of ammonia whether it be produced endogenously or from exogenous exposures. Young children, the elderly and those with impaired immune systems would also be more at risk. Products that contain ammonia or have it as an "inert" ingredient or exposures from hazardous environments such as methamphetamine labs pose an elevated risk for the above populations because they would be more susceptible to ammonia toxicity.

"This study demonstrated that in rats with HA or HE ammonia specifically promote GSH synthesis and export from astrocytes and increase its extracellular degradation, which may improve the availability of precursors for GSH synthesis in neurons and their resistance to ammonia toxicity."

Hilgier, W., Wegrzynowicz, M., Ruszkiewicz, J., Oja, S. S., Saransaari, P., and Albrecht, J. (2010). Direct exposure to ammonia and hyperammonemia increase the extracellular accumulation and degradation of astroglia-derived glutathione in the rat prefrontal cortex. Toxicological sciences : an official journal of the Society of Toxicology, 117(1):163-168. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/7292948?show_msg=already_posted