Effect of Ethionine and Ethanol on the Function of the Perfused Rat Liver 1

Abstract

Summary

In vivo administration of ethionine to rats (17 hr before sacrifice) led to in vitro demonstrability of hepatic injury. The adverse effect was reflected in decreased flow of bile, impaired clearance of foreign dyes (BSP and ICG) by the perfused liver, and increased leakage of hepatic enzymes into the perfusate. Perfusion with ethanol led to no further worsening of bile flow or dye excretion but did enhance leakage of enzymes.

These observations indicate that, in the perfused liver, the adverse effect of ethionine on the hepatocyte can be reflected by impaired bile flow and dye excretion as well as by leakage of enzymes into the perfusate.

Perfusion with ethanol led to additional hepatic injury, evident in enhanced leakage of enzymes, but not demonstrable by additional impairment of bile flow, perhaps already maximally impaired by ethionine.