Effect of erythrocytes on the hepatic distribution kinetics of antipyrine

The role of erythrocyte on the hepatic distribution kinetics of antipyrine was investigated in the in situ isolated perfused rat liver. Perfusion experiments were conducted using Krebs-bicarbonate buffer delivered via the portal vein in a single pass mode at a total flow rate of 15 ml/min. A bolus dose of antipyrine was administered in the presence and absence of erythrocytes. Almost identical moment analysis results (without erythrocytes mean transit time, MTT: 23 s; volume of distribution, VH: 0.57 ml/g liver and with erythrocytes, MTT: 24 s; VH: 0.60 ml/g liver) and superimposable unimodal effluent curves were obtained in the presence and absence of erythrocytes indicates that distribution kinetics of antipyrine within the liver is not affected by erythrocytes.