Neurotoxicity syndromes articles from across Nature Portfolio

In this Review, Schagen and colleagues discuss recent insights into the mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment that occurs after cancer treatment. The authors also discuss the steps necessary to develop restorative and preventive interventions for such impairment and provide recommendations for clinical care.

High blood ammonia, as seen in severe liver disease and urea cycle disorders, is neurotoxic and difficult to treat. A new study shows that the toxic effects are caused by impaired astrocyte potassium buffering—not astrocyte swelling, as previously thought—and can be partially blocked by the diuretic bumetanide (pages 1643–1648).