Georg Wensing, Ramzi Sabra, Robert A. Branch – 1 July 1990 – The onset of sodium retention in the phenobarbital and carbon tetrachloride model of cirrhosis in the rat is preceded by a linear decrease in hepatic function as measured by the aminopyrine breath test. Sodium retention occurs when liver function decreases below a critical threshold. Changes in systemic hemodynamics may be responsible for initiating the development of renal sodium retention.

C. Th. B. M. van Deursen, M. M. F. Fickers, P. J. Brombacher, Mark Bassett – 1 July 1990

Robert P. Cornell, Barbara L. Liljequist, Kenneth F. Bartizal – 1 June 1990 – A hypothesis has been proposed by this laboratory that endogenous gut‐derived lipopolysaccharide is responsible for systemic endotoxemia in animals with acute liver injury particularly after partial (67%) hepatectomy. Systemic lipopolysaccharide and possibly fibrin aggregates or tissue debris then elicit release of cytokines from phagocytizing macrophages and/or monocytes that may be essential for normal liver regeneration.

Adrian Schmassmann, Alan F. Hofmann, M. Antonietta Angellotti, Huong‐Thu Ton‐Nu, Claudio D. Schteingart, Carlo Clerici, Steven S. Rossi, Marcus A. Rothschild, Bertram I. Cohen, Richard J. Stenger, Erwin H. Mosbach – 1 June 1990 – The effect of dietary administration of four different amino acid (N‐acyl) conjugates of ursodeoxycholic acid on biliary bile acid composition, liver tests and hepatic morphology by light microscopy was examined in the rabbit.

Patricia A. Gabow, Ann M. Johnson, William D. Kaehny, Michael L. Manco‐Johnson, Irene T. Duley, Gregory T. Everson – 1 June 1990 – Hepatic cysts are a major manifestation of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. This study examined 239 autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease patients and 189 unaffected family members to define the factors that influence the presence and severity of hepatic cysts. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease patients with hepatic cysts were older than autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease patients without such cysts (44.6 ± 1.1 yr vs.

Michael D. Kew – 1 June 1990 – Previous reports have emphasized the association of primary hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with idiopathic hemochromatosis with cirrhosis. In contrast, patients with idiopathic hemochromatosis without cirrhosis have no increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Phlebotomy therapy, by preventing the accumulation of parenchymal iron and subsequent cirrhosis, is believed to prevent hepatocellular carcinoma in the precirrhotic stage of the disease.

Yun‐Fan Liaw – 1 June 1990 – The case of a young man with hepatitis A and a chronic course is presented. The patient recived a short course of steroid therapy for recurrence of symptoms following acute hepatitis A. Thereafter liver enzymes have remained marginally elevated for 4 years and annual liver biopsies have shown evidence of chronicity. HAV IgM Ab persisted for 1034 days with subsequent development of HAV IgG Ab. The possiblity of other viruses in the aetiology and the role of steroids in the development of chronicity are discussed.

1 June 1990

JÜRg Reichen – 1 June 1990

Joan Rodes – 1 June 1990 – The use of paracentesis has recently been reproposed as a safe and effective alternative to diuretics for management of ascites. We have investigated the clinical and biochemical effects of large‐volume paracentesis in 19 cirrhotics with tense ascites, and the relative changes in the hormones involved in sodium and water renal handling. Plasma renin activity (PRA), aldosterone (PA), and arginine vasopressin (AVP) levels and conventional liver and renal function tests were measured before and 1, 2 and 7 days after the paracentesis.