Effects of hyperthermia on plasma glycoprotein catabolism by the isolated perfused rat liver

Clearance and degradation of the glycoprotein, asialofetuin (AF), by the isolated perfused rat liver at supranormal temperatures were investigated. The half-life for disappearance of AF was similar at 37, 41, and 42 degrees C, P greater than 0.05. There was a significant difference between the amount of hydrolysis of AF at 37, 41, and 42 degrees C, P less than 0.05. This indicates that there was significant retardation of lysosomal proteolysis or receptor endocytosis by the hepatocyte at elevated temperatures.