[Clearance of antigens by the liver (author's transl)]

Abstract

The liver is not only a metabolic organ, but has also immunological properties provided by the Kupffer cells which represent the major part of the body phagocytizing capacity. In case of an impairment of this function intestinal antigens, e.g. endotoxins, may reach the systemic circulation and thus exhibit their biological properties. The function of Kupffer cells obviously depends on a slow sinusoidal blood stream which latter is provided by blood flowing to the liver via the portal venous tract. This fact may be of consequence in porto-caval shunt surgery in order to use methods by which a rest flow through the portal vein to the liver is maintained. Thus, the organism is prevented from the biological consequences of an altered phagocytic function of the liver.