Liver blood flow (LBF) estimated by Kupffer cells clearance in health and disease.
Liver blood flow (LBF) in normal state and in diseases suspected to impair liver perfusion has been estimated by an indirect method, based on the removal by Kupffer cells of the colloidal particles from the circulation. 150 microCl 198Au have been used and the results have been expressed through percentual decrease from the theoretical value. In chronic liver disease there is a progressive reduction of the Kupffer cells clearance and of the LBF corresponding to the severity of the liver impairment. There is a mild decrease in LBF in heart failure. In liver tumours and collagenoses, the values are like in normals.