[Proposal of a new procedure for the exploration of hepatocellular function. The trimethoxybenzene test (TMB)]

The authors propose a new method of exploration of liver cell function based on the study of demethylation of a rapidly assimilated atoxic compound, trimethoxybenzene (TMB) in dimethoxy-hydroxybenzene (DMHB). Whereas in normal subjects, the urinary excretion of the metabolites was rapid and marked, 180 mg within 3 hours after taking a 400 mg dose, in patients with liver cell failure, the excretion of DMHB was considerably reduced, 80 to 95% in cirrhosis.