Hepatic reticuloendothelial function in rats with various portasystemic shunts and total liver arterialization.

Hepatic reticuloendothelial function was measured in 6 experimental groups of rats with various portasystemic shunts or total liver arterialization by computer calculation of the hepatic uptake rate of intravenously injected 99mTc-sulphur colloid. Marked reduction of the hepatic reticuloendothelial system (RES) function was found both 1 and 3 weeks after the construction of a mesentericocaval or conventional end-to-side portacaval shunt. Hepatic RES function was also lowered both 1 and 3 weeks after a modified portacaval shunt, but the reduction was much less pronounced. Total liver arterialization produced a similar mild reduction of hepatic RES function after 1 week; however, there was no longer any significant reduction after 3 weeks. This study concludes that total liver arterialization ameliorates the negative effect that portasystemic shunting has on hepatic RES function.