Regulatory mechanisms in the liver during enteral administration of hypotonic and hypertonic solutions. Studies in the waking rat
Dennhardt, R.; Konder, H.
Infusionstherapie und Klinische Ernahrung 7(1): 47-52
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0378-0791 PMID: 7189511 Document Number: 158482
The mechanisms of homeostatic regulation of the liver after enteral application of hypotonic and hypertonic fluids are studied. The experiments are carried out in unanaesthetized rats with indwelling catheters in aorta, vena portae and duodenum. A new technique of cannulating the vena hepatica in the rat is described. In this way the hepatic electrolyte clearance can be calculated. As can be estimated from the results, the liver functions as the main osmotic buffers between the enteral and the parenteral compartment. This is realized by absorption or secretion of water or electrolytes from the portal venous blood. The capacity of this homeostatic mechanism of the liver is influenced by the state of hydration of the animal.