Insulin and cortisol improve heat tolerance in isolated perfused rat liver.

Isolated rat livers were perfused at 37 degrees, 41 degrees, 42 degrees, and 43 degrees C with and without insulin and cortisol. Two additional groups were perfused at 42 degrees C with either hormone alone. The perfusate contained red blood cells, amino acids, and albumin in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate. Bile flow was significantly increased by hormones at 37 degrees C. Bile flow was also increased by hormones at all other temperatures. At 41 degrees C, K+ leakage was the only parameter that indicated injury. Insulin and cortisol significantly reduced K+ leakage at this temperature compared to those without hormones. At 42 degrees C, insulin and cortisol reduced K+ leakage, increased bile flow, reduced transaminase release, and improved ultrastructural integrity. The enhanced bile flow was due primarily to insulin. A reduction in K+ leakage required both insulin and cortisol. Transaminase leakage responded to either hormone alone or in combination; however, only the cortisol-treated group showed a statistically significant reduction in transaminase leakage. At 43 degrees C, indications of irreversible injury were evident and hormones had no beneficial effects. Loss of membrane homeostasis appeared to be the initial event.