Liver Function in the Pig

The assessment of function of the isolated perfused liver remains complex. Much of this problem relates to an inability to compare function in vitro with that in vivo, because of a lack of knowledge of hepatic blood flow. This article documents measurement of total hepatic and portal blood flow in vivo in pigs, by means of the dye clearance method. The effects of starvation, glucose administration and anaesthesia are noted. Although these techniques are simple and may be performed in the awake animal, there are wide variations in values which would necessitate individual flow readings being obtained for any comparative study.S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 1197 (1974)

Liver function in the pig: 1. The effects of 30 minutes' normothermic ischaemia

A preparation was developed in the pig in which transhepatic samples could be taken, and the duration for which the pig liver would tolerate ischaemia was studied. Total occlusion of the hepatic artery, portal vein and inferior Venn cava was caused after studies of the effects of occlusion of the portal vein or the vena cava alone. Adequate splanchnic decompression was provided by a splenojugular bypass. Reversible changes were noted in the acid/base status and potassium levels after ischaemia. Aspartate transaminase (SGOT) levels rose and remained elevated during the hour of study following occlusion. Alkaline phosphatase and glucose levels changed but remained within normal laboratory limits, although there appeared to be a release of glucose from the hepatic veins after occlusion. Portal pressure increased reversibly after ischaemia and returned to normal within 1 hour. Bile flow ceased during inflow occlusion and resumed 15 minutes after the release of the clamps

Effect of heterologous seminal plasma and semen extenders on motility of frozen–thawed ram spermatozoa

Ram seminal plasma increases the fertility of frozen–thawed ram spermatozoa deposited into the cervix. The aim of the current study was to compare the effect of ram seminal plasma to that of bull seminal plasma, dog prostatic fluid, protein-free TALP, TrilEq (Triladyl with 0.5 m of Equex STM paste added to each 100 m ) and heat-treated skim milk on longevity and percentages of progressively motile and aberrantly motile frozen–thawed ram spermatozoa. Three ejaculates from each of 6 rams were extended in TrilEq, pooled and frozen in straws as a single batch per ram. One hundred and eight straws (3 straws from each ram for each fluid) were thawed in random order. Once thawed, a straw was emptied into a tube with 0.85m of the appropriate fluid at 37 °C and kept at that temperature for 6 h. Motility was assessed at ×200 magnification immediately (time zero) and 2, 4 and 6 h after thawing. Progressive motility decreased from each time to the next (P < 0.05) and was 39.0%(0 h), 26.0%(2 h), 19.6%(4 h) and 12.6%(6 h);SEM1.24, n=108 for each group.Ram seminal plasma resulted in higher progressive motility than bull seminal plasma, lower than milk, and similar to the other fluids. Ram seminal plasma resulted in lower aberrant motility than protein-free TALP and similar aberrant motility to other fluids. The effect of ram seminal plasma and dog prostatic fluid was very similar. The effect of ram seminal plasma on the fertility of frozen–thawed ram spermatozoa deposited into the cervix is not due an exceptionally beneficial effect on the motility of spermatozoa

Household Budgets as a Social Indicator of Poverty and Inequality in South Africa

food, household budgets, household expenditure, poverty, wealth,