[Isolated liver cells of the rat under the influence of a toxic factor from burnt human and animal skin (author's transl)].

The existence of a burn toxin which could be responsible for the late burn disease has become increasingly accepted. The present study investigates both metabolism and ultrastructure of isolated rat hepatocytes both under the influence of a burn toxin isolated from burnt mouse and human skin and of its native nontoxic precursor. Cells from rats treated with toxin systematically were also investigated. The cells directly incubated with toxin showed no alterations of gluconeogenesis, but a reduced urea--and glycogensynthesis from most precursors used. Cells of pretreated rats were reduced in all functions and showed more distinct ultrastructural damage, while those incubated directly were significantly more altered. The results prove a direct toxic effect of a burn toxin on isolated liver cells.