[The function of the reticuloendothelial system studied with the use of radioactive colloids]

A new method for the interpretation of data obtained during radionuclide investigation of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) was proposed. It was based on a detailed description of the mechanism of reticuloendothelial extraction of a colloid injected intravenously. A model developed for this purpose included the main stages of radioactive colloid transport. The paper also represented a comparative analysis of the results of clinical examination of the controls and patients with liver cirrhosis. A 4-fold decrease of the blood flow in portal liver cirrhosis was noted as compared with normal mean indices in a 2-fold decrease in the specific blood supply of cells of the RES and in a 2-fold decrease in its volume. An increase in phagocytosis rate in patients with liver cirrhosis needs further verification.