The effects of 2 procedures for dehepatization, total hepatectomy and complete hepatic vascular exclusion, were compared in the rat, and the influence of decreasing the body temperature from 37.5-35.5.degree. C on the course of dehapatization was evaluated. The duration of survival after total hepatectomy was 5.75 .+-. SD 0.67 h at 37.5.degree. C and 8.51 .+-. 0.78 h at 35.5.degree. C (P < 0.001). The duration of survival after complete hepatic vascular exclusion was 5.61 .+-. 1.06 h at 37.5.degree. C and 8.30 .+-. 0.70 h at 35.5.degree. C (P < 0.001). The duration of survival does not differ after total hepatectomy and after complete vascular exclusion, which suggests that substances released by the necrotic liver have no influence on the course of dehepatization. The body temperature has an influence on the course of dehepatization and must be carefully monitored in the comparison of the different procedures for dehepatization and in the assessment of experimental therapeutic methods for acute liver failure.