Synthesis of factor II antigen by isolated perfused rat liver.

Rat Factor II (prothrombin), isolated and purified by chromatography on Blue Dextran-agarose, was used to raise an antiserum in rabbits. On the basis of single radial immunodiffusion measurements. Factor II synthesis by isolated perfused rat liver amounted to 0.54 mg/300 cm2 body surface area of the liver donor in 10 h. Corresponding measurements of Factor II coagulant activity revealed cumulative synthesis of 802 Iowa units. Coumadin added to the liver perfusate blocked production of Factor II coagulant activity, but did not change synthesis of the immunologically measured protein. In perfusions in which either heparin or citrate was used as anticoagulant, synthesis of albumin was not affected by the choice of anticoagulant but bile production and synthesis of Factor II were significantly less in citrate perfusions.