Clearance of heterologous, homologous and damaged homologous erythrocytes by the isolated perfused rat liver.

Homologous and autologous rat erythrocytes, human erythrocytes as well as glutaraldehyde-treated and hemolysed homologous red blood cells suspended in an isotonic, buffered saline, free of immunoglobulins were perfused through the isolated rat liver. The mononuclear phagocyte system of the liver (mainly Kupffer cells) was able to recognize damaged rat and heterologous human erythrocytes and to sequester them by a direct membrane-erythrocyte mechanism. Hemoglobin and homologous and autologous rat erythrocytes were not sequestered or only to a minor extent. High sequestration rates are reflected by an increased energy demand with subsequent increase of the lactate-pyruvate and beta-hydroxybutyrate-acetoacetate-quotient.