[Function of the liver reticuloendothelial system in hemorrhagic shock in dogs]

The function of hepatic reticulo-endothelial system at normal circulation and during hemorrhagic shock was examined in 13 dogs. The results were as follows:1.198Au-colloid liver scintigraphy demonstrated no essential alterations by shock. A trifling diminution caused by the diminished blood amount in the liver was found at heavy blood loss. The spleen was opcified in no case. 2. The elimination rate, resp. the blood clearance, of 198Au-colloid remained constant during the first 2 hours, proving that the vital clearance function of hepatic reticulo-endothelial system is completely maintained in this phase of hemorrhagic shock. After longer duration of hypovolemic shock (5 hours) elimination rate decreased. 3. It can be concluded that hepatic circulation at first alters according to the blood volume. 4. Consequently, functional testing of hepatic reticulo-endothelial system is not fit for early diagnosis of shock.