The Limitations and Special Advantages of the Perfused Liver in Relation to the Synthesis and Catabolism of the Plasma Proteins

Abstract

Although a great deal of information has accumulated concerning the numerous stages involved in the synthesis of proteins little evidence is as yet available concerning the nature of the factors which operate in vivo to control the rates of synthesis of individual proteins. Investigation of such factors can only be carried out either in vivo or by making use of a particular organ maintained in a state approximating to physiological normality. In the case of the liver such a condition can be achieved without great difficulty by perfusion with heparinised blood.