EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON VAGAL CONTROL OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE LIVER

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Abstract
Isolated perfusion of the liver of Malaclemmys centrata and Chelyndra serpentina through the portal vein shows (a) that, when eserinized Ringer''s solution contains Acetyl B-methyl eholine l:10-8, the minute-volume outflow from the hepatic vein depends, within limits, on the pH-if the pH is a little above normal the rate of flow is decreased, if below normal (pH = 7) then the rate, as a rule, is increased; (b) that, upon simultaneous faradization of the peripheral stumps of both vagi, high in the neck, the perfusate of a soln. of physiological saline at normal pH flowing out of the hepatic vein has a vagal-like action upon either the heart of the same animal whose vagal rami have been previously cut, or in cross-circulation (modifying the methods of Loewi and of Hamburger) upon the heart of a second turtle. The 2 methods of using the animal''s heart as test object, are referred to as ipsicardiac and aliocardiac test-preparations. Although the vagal-like stuff appearing in the hepatic outflow has not been identified chemically, it is concluded that the results described add substantial evidence in favor of the view that the liver is innervated functionally by fibers given off from the vagal trunks. The exps. have yielded additional techniques for the study of chemical transmitters.

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