[The effect of ischemia on ascites secretion in the perfused rat liver]

The ascites fluid secreted by the isolated perfused liver was studied in rats. The quantity of fluid appearing on the surface of the isolated perfused liver was independent of the pressure in the portal vein and could be raised by the amount of fluid flowing through the liver. Irrespective of the flow conditions, the ischaemic liver will produce more ascites than the intact liver und similar conditions. A rise of hepatic oncotic pressure will not reduce ascites production by the ischaemic liver. With respect to osmolarity there is no difference between the perfusing fluid and ascites. As regards the quantity of bilirubin secreted with ascites no significant difference was found between the control and the ischaemic group. The pertaining literature and the theories of ascites formation are discussed.