Endotoxin effect on the isolated perfused rat liver: functional and ultrastructural observations.

The effect of E. coli endotoxin on bile flow and hepatic ultrastructure was studied in the isolated perfused rat liver. Within 30 min after its addition to the perfusate, endotoxin caused bile flow reduction. Despite this cholestatic effect, parenchymal cell structure did not show impressive changes on electron microscope examination. This feature contrasts with the in vivo findings by others, and suggests that the activation of extrahepatic mechanisms may contribute to the endotoxin toxicity for parenchymal cells in vivo.