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The influence of flow rate and haematocrit on the metabolic function of once-through perfused rat liver, as assessed by galactose elimination and oxygen uptake, was studied. Rats weighting from 195 to 220 g were used. Each of eleven experiments consisted of four periods; the blood flow rate was 10 ml/min in the first and the last period, and it was varied at random from 0.6 to 18 ml/min in the second and the third period. Haematocrit values of either 0.40, 0.28 or 0.16 1/1 were constant in each experiment. The input concentration of galactose was 1.7 mmol/l. Both galactose elimination and oxygen uptake were independent of the flow rate between 6 and 18 ml/min. At flow rates below 6 ml/min (i.e. below 0.9 ml/min/g liver) both functions were reversibly decreased in parallel with the flow. The values were highly correlated. There was a trend towards a lower galactose elimination rate and oxygen uptake at lower haematocrit values. It is emphasized that flow rate and haematocrit must be kept above certain limits in metabolic studies with perfused rat liver.

Daily consumption of soy protein has increased during recent years. Twelve healthy subjects and 12 atopic patients were given 30 g non-hydrolysed soy protein (NHS) or 30 g hydrolysed soy protein (HS) daily during a 3-month period. There were no changes in the following immunological parameters: IgE with specificity for NHS or HS, IgG with specificity for NHS, crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis with NHS and skin prick test using NHS or HS. Hypertrophy of the pancreas in rats exposed to excessive peroral intake of soy flour has been reported. In our study the size of the pancreas was measured before dosing began and at the end of the study by means of ultrasound. No change in size was shown. Daily intake of 30 g NHS and 30 g HS gave rise to gastrointestinal discomfort, while 15 g of both soy protein preparations were usually accepted.

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