Study on the function of kupffer cell in liver cirrhosis by combination with planar dynamic scintigraphy and single photon emission computed tomography

By combining use of planar dynamic scintigraphy and single photon emission computed tomography, author devised the method to measure organ uptake rate and hepatic Kupffer cells's degradation rate of 99mTc-millimicrosphered albumin (HSA-MM). By this method the function of hepatic Kupffer cell in patients with liver cirrhosis and without cirrhosis were measured. Uptake rate of HSA-MM in liver was decreased but increased in spleen in patients with liver cirrhosis, which proved decreased phagocytic activity of hepatic Kupffer cells. Hepatic excretion rate and degradation rate of HSA-MM in the first 60 minutes in patients with liver cirrhosis were decreased, which meant decreased metabolic activity of hepatic Kupffer cells. This new method to measure organ uptake rate and degradation rate of HSA-MM is useful clinically to evaluate the function of reticuloendothelial system in liver. (author)