Liver function after bilateral nephrectomy.

Consequences of bilateral nephrectomy (NX) for liver functions and for hepatic excretion of various endogenous substances were characterized in rats 24 h after NX. Plasma concentrations of urea, creatinine, fibrinogen, and glutathione increased significantly after NX, whereas the concentrations of total protein, albumin, and lipids decreased. The hepatic excretion of urea, creatinine, phospholipids, cholesterol, and aldosterone significantly increased in uremia, and excretions of protein and glutathione diminished. Active biliary transport can be diminished after NX by the effects of uremic toxins on the liver cells or by the competition phenomena between endogenous substances, which are normally excreted in urine, at the hepatocellular level. Reduced glutathione content and increased lipid peroxidation in hepatocytes have been found. Changes in lipid and protein metabolism after NX can be proved.