Effects of Hyperthermia on Bile Production, Enzyme and K(+) Release, and Structure of Perfused Rat Liver,

Abstract : Isolated rat livers were perfused for 90 min. with oxygenated KRB at 37 C, oxygenated KRB at 43 C, or inadequately oxygenated KRB, containing low glucose, at 43 C. Bile production and GPT, GOT, and K(+) released into the perfusate were measured at zero time and every 15 min. All livers (8 per group) were processed for light and electron microscopy at the end of the 90 min. period. Control livers (37 C) were normal in all aspects monitored. heat alone inhibited bile production after 45 min. and induced elevations in GPT, GOT and K(+) which reached peak levels in 60 min. Light and electron microscopic structure revealed focal hepatocellular damage and generalized endothelial damage. The addition of hypoxia and hypoglycemia to 43 C heat exposure inhibited bile production after 30 min. GPT, GOT, and K(+) release reached peak levels after 45 min. Structural changes were similar to those produced by heat alone except severe damage was uniformly distributed throughout the livers. (Author)