Synthesis of antithrombin III and alpha-1-antitrypsin by the perfused rat liver.

Livers isolated from control or turpentine-injected rats were perfused for 3 h with human red cells suspended in Krebs-Henseleit solution containing bovine serum albumin, dextran, glucose, heparin, cortisol, insulin, a mixture of 20 amino acids and [3H]leucine. Changes in the concentrations of antithrombin III and alpha-1-antitrypsin were evaluated by rocket immunoelectrophoresis using specific antisera, and incorporation of the 3H radioactivity into the total protein, albumin, antitrhombin III and alpha-1-antitrypsin in the perfusate was measured. The results indicate that both antithrombin III and alpha-1-antitrypsin are synthesized in the liver. Local inflammation induced in the liver donors moderately stimulated the synthesis of alpha-1-antitrypsin but it affected only marginally that of antithrombin III.