Age-dependent phagocytosis of erythrocytes by the isolated perfused rat liver after galactosamine hepatitis and alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate cholestasis.
Isolated rat livers were perfused with an immunoglobulin-free fluid containing homologous rat erythrocytes suspended in an isotonic saline solution. Galactosamine hepatitis and alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate cholestasis were induced as experimental liver diseases. The glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) and guanosine triphosphate (GPT) activities, the potassium level as well as the redox quotients of lactate/pyruvate and beta-hydroxybutyrate/acetoacetate were determined as liver function parameters.


RESULTS
The same dose of galactosamine led to two different types of reaction. The group suffering more damage (rendering maximum GOT activities) phagocytosed significantly (p less than or equal to 0.05) more erythrocytes than the other group. Galactosamine hepatitis significantly slows down the phagocytosis of erythrocytes. The function of the mononuclear phagocytosing cells in the liver is intact. The alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) cholestasis significantly reduces the capacity of the mononuclear phagocytosing cells in the liver. Young erythrocytes were phagocytosed significantly better than old ones in either type of liver damage, in galactosamine hepatitis and in ANIT cholestasis as well as by healthy livers.
D015058:1-Naphthylisothiocyanate; D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival; D002779:Cholestasis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004912:Erythrocytes; D005688:Galactosamine; D006520:Hepatitis, Animal / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008099:Liver / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D010587:Phagocytosis; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D015058:1-Naphthylisothiocyanate; D005688:Galactosamine