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[Plasma kallikrein clearance by the liver in experimental cirrhosis]
C F de Toledo1, M R Loureiro-Silva, H M Molina
1Laboratório de Hepatologia Experimental, Universidade Federal de São Paulo.
Aim:
To study the hepatic clearance of a glycoprotein (rat plasma kallikrein) by the liver of rats with experimental decompensated cirrhosis.
Material And Methods:
Cirrhosis was induced by intragastrically administration of carbon tetrachloride 520 mg/kg/week, during 16-19 weeks. After this period, each liver was isolated, exsanguinated and perfused at 37 degrees C with 10nM rat plasma kallikrein (RPK).
Results:
58% of the animals died during the treatment and the remaining developed prostration, ascites, jaundice and bleeding; at the end of the treatment period serum aminotransferases were not altered and serum albumin decreased. The liver histology showed cirrhosis. RPK clearance rate of the cirrhosis group (5.4 +/- 0.9 pmol/g liver/10 min) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that of the control group (13.5 +/- 2.7 pmol/g liver/10 min).
Conclusion:
The development of cirrhosis is associated with a decreased hepatic clearance of a glycoprotein which endocytosis is mediated by a receptor.