Function of the Reticuloendothelial System in Removal of Emulsified Fat From Blood

Abstract

Fat emulsions dyed with Sudan black and Sudan IV were injd. into rats and their localization in liver and spleen was noted. Lithium carmine, trypan blue, and carbon black, used as agents to "block" the reticuloendothelial system, effectively prevented deposition of fat particles in that group of cells, but did not significantly alter the rates of clearance of emulsified fat from the blood stream. Infusion of dyed emulsions into animals whose reticuloendothelial cells were laden with dye or C demonstrated a free permeation of fat particles into the hepatic parenchyma and cells of the splenic red pulp.