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LIVER FUNCTION AS INFLUENCED BY ANESTHETICS AND NARCOTICS.
1George Williams Hooper Foundation for Medical Research, University of California Medical School, San Francisco, and the Hunterian Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical School, Baltimore.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Liver poisons and anesthesia can decrease phenoltetrachlorphthalein (PTE) excretion, indicating liver injury. A significant drop in PTE output signals temporary impairment of liver function.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Toxicology
- Physiology
Background:
- Liver function is crucial for detoxification and excretion.
- Phenoltetrachlorphthalein (PTE) excretion is a recognized indicator of hepatic functional capacity.
- Various endogenous and exogenous factors can impact liver function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of specific liver toxins and anesthetic agents on phenoltetrachlorphthalein (PTE) excretion.
- To establish PTE excretion as a reliable biomarker for assessing liver injury and functional impairment.
- To quantify the impact of anesthetics like ether, paraldehyde, chloral, urethane, and alcohol on liver function.
Main Methods:
- Administration of liver poisons (chloroform, phosphorus) and anesthetic agents (ether, paraldehyde, chloral, urethane, alcohol) to subjects.
- Monitoring and measurement of phenoltetrachlorphthalein (PTE) excretion levels over a 24-hour period post-administration.
- Histological examination of liver tissues to assess cellular damage.
Main Results:
- Liver poisons (chloroform, phosphorus) causing histological changes decreased PTE excretion.
- Vascular disturbances, including Eck fistula and passive congestion, also reduced PTE output.
- Anesthetic agents like ether, paraldehyde, chloral, urethane, and alcohol significantly depressed PTE excretion, with effects observed within 24 hours.
- A reduction in PTE curve to two-thirds or one-half of normal indicates definite liver injury.
Conclusions:
- Phenoltetrachlorphthalein (PTE) excretion serves as a valuable index for evaluating liver functional capacity.
- Exposure to certain toxins and anesthetic agents can lead to temporary impairment of liver function, evidenced by decreased PTE excretion.
- A significant drop in PTE levels is a sensitive indicator of hepatic injury.
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