In vivo assessment of liver size in the rat

In vivo assessment of liver mass in the rat was achieved using several parameters obtained by scintigraphy, including one computed using a Nuclear Data 50:50 analysis system. All correlated well with the directly measured liver weight. The simplest parameter, the area of the anterior view measured from the Polaroid scintigraph, was therefore the one preferred. The results so obtained were compared with those derived from the relationship between liver and body weights. It is suggested that this accurate in vivo measurement of liver mass if of value in the study of the pathophysiology of this organ. (U.S.)