[Physiology and pathophysiology of the reticuloendothelial system of the liver (author's transl)].

The reticuloendothelial system of the liver includes endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, fat storing cells and pit cells. Kupffer cells have special surface structures, the so-called fuzzy coat and immunological receptors, which are responsible for phagocytotic activity. The physiological role of the hepatic reticuloendothelial system is clearing various substrates as for instance proteins and lipoproteins, hemoglobin, bilirubin, immune complexes, bacterial toxins, and certain circulating cells. The activity of the reticuloendothelial system can be influenced by blood flow velocity, by opsonins produced by the body itself, and by certain exogenous factors. The function of the reticuloendothelial system may be estimated by methods, which are dependent essentially upon hepatic clearance of intravenously applied, special substances.