RETICULOENDOTHELIAL SYSTEM FUNCTION IN ACUTE LIVER-INJURY INDUCED BY D-GALACTOSAMINE

Aims/Methods: Reticuloendothelial system function, as assessed by clea rance of radiolabelled bacteria, was evaluated in acute liver injury i nduced by D-galactosamine in rats, and compared with that after 70% li ver resection model. Results: Reticuloendothelial system function was significantly impaired in both instances, but the extent and the patte rn of reticuloendothelial system impairment differed in the two models . While the elimination rate of the radiolabelled bacteria (k-value) d ecreased in both the liver resection and D-galactosamine groups (19% a nd 52%, respectively), the corrected phagocytic index (alpha) increase d in 70% liver resection (247%), indicatine increased activity among t he remaining reticuloendothelial system cells of the liver. Estimation of subserosal organ blood flow showed decreased flow to the cecum and distal small intesting in both groups, whereas it was significantly i ncreased (477%) in the remaining parts of the liver in the liver resec tion group. Conclusions: These findings show that reticuloendothelial system activity is deranged in both these groups, which may explain th e increased occurrence of bacterial complications observed in correspo nding clinical conditions.