Disorders of the lymphatic homing and MIF production by the lymphocytes of thymus, spleen and lymph nodes after liver injury caused by portocaval shunt in rats.

This paper presents the quantitative changes and disorders in migratory inhibition factor (MIF) production by thymus, lymph node and spleen cells after liver injury provoked by the porto-caval shunt (PCS) in rats. The great depopulation of the lymphatic organs, particularly the thymus, was demonstrated. The reduction of MIF generation after PCS was also noticed. The severe liver injury reflected by high activity of GOT and GPT was observed on the second day after surgical procedure. Our investigations bring into light the multifold interrelationships between the functionally efficient liver and lymphatic organs in rat.