Alterations in liver blood flow and reticuloendothelial function in progressive cirrhosis in the rat.

Cirrhosis of the liver was induced in rats by twice weekly inhalation of carbon tetrachloride in conjunction with sodium phenobarbitone administration. At sequential time intervals during induction, liver blood flow and extraction efficiency of colloid were assessed in order to elucidate changes in these parameters which occur with cirrhosis. Liver samples were also taken for histologic examination and graded for extent of disease. Initially there was a fall in extraction efficiency (and thus reticuloendothelial function), associated with early histologic change. Subsequently extraction efficiency recovered, as regeneration was observed on histologic specimens. From 4 wk and onward, blood flow gradually fell, as did extraction efficiency. These changes were associated with increasing severity of disease as demonstrated by histologic sections.