Effects of ischemia on the hepatic cell membrane potential in the rat. Differences between fed and fasted animals

The effect of ischemia on the hepatic cell membrane potential (MP) was studied in vivo in fed and fasted rats. Liver ischemia was induced for 1 h by clamping all afferent vessels to the left lateral and medial lobes and was followed by a 3 h period of reflow. The liver content of ATP, glucose, lactate and glycogen was repeatedly measured and related to the MP changes. The initial ATP content was 40% higher and the glycogen content 10 times higher in the fed animals, while the MP was similar in both groups. During the ischemic period the ATP content as well as the MP decreased in a similar manner in both groups of animals. During reflow the ATP content increased to about 50% of the initial value in both groups of animals. The MP was normalized more rapidly in fed animals than in fasted ones, indicating a better capability for recovery after ischemic injury in fed animals.