Age-related pseudocapillarization of the liver sinusoidal endothelium impairs the hepatic clearance of acetaminophen in rats

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2011 Apr;66(4):400-8. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glq221. Epub 2011 Feb 7.

Abstract

We investigated the effect of age-related pseudocapillarization of the liver sinusoidal endothelium on the hepatic disposition of acetaminophen. The multiple indicator dilution technique assessed the hepatic disposition of tracer (14)C-acetaminophen and reference markers in isolated perfused livers of young (n = 11) and old (n = 12) rats. Electron microscopy confirmed defenestration of the sinusoidal endothelium in old rats compared with young rats. Acetaminophen recovery following a single pass through the liver was significantly increased in old rats (0.64 ± 0.04, old; 0.59 ± 0.05, young; p < .05). In old age, there was significant reduction of the intercompartmental rate constant k(1) (0.34 ± 0.10 s(-1), old; 0.61 ± 0.38 s(-1), young; p < .05) and the permeability-surface area product for the transfer of acetaminophen across the sinusoidal endothelium (0.034 ± 0.006 mL/s/g, old; 0.048 ± 0.014 mL/s/g, young; p < .005). There was no difference in k(3), the measure of sequestration of acetaminophen that reflects enzyme activity. Age-related pseudocapillarization of the liver sinusoid resulted in increased acetaminophen recovery and decreased transfer of acetaminophen into the liver.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetaminophen / pharmacokinetics*
  • Aging
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / pharmacokinetics*
  • Animals
  • Antipyretics / pharmacokinetics*
  • Endothelium / metabolism
  • Indicator Dilution Techniques
  • Liver / blood supply
  • Liver / metabolism*
  • Liver / ultrastructure
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred F344

Substances

  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
  • Antipyretics
  • Acetaminophen