middle molecule toxin

middle molecule toxin

A group of small (0.5–60-kd) molecules­ (e.g., uric acid, guanidinos, polypeptides and metabolic end products, such as phenols) which are not removed during dialysis of patients with chronic renal failure; they are linked to the peripheral neuropathy and pericarditis commonly seen in uraemia. The so-called MMT fraction may inhibit haemoglobin synthesis, glucose metabolism, lymphoblast transformation, phagocytic activity and nerve conduction.