Hepatic dearterialization is a palliative treatment for irresectable liver tumours. In the current study, the metabolic consequences of hepatic dearterialization were examined in the rat. Liver glycogen content was reduced to an average of 84% following 60 min dearterialization and was further reduced to an average of 16% following 60 min reperfusion. Plasma concentration of beta-hydroxybutyric acid was elevated by an average of 65% following 60 min hepatic dearterialization. In contrast, hepatic dearterialization did not alter cholesterol and triglyceride plasma levels. In addition, the hepatic activity of hepatic lipase was reduced by 29% after 60 min of hepatic dearterialization, a reduction which remained after 60 min of reperfusion. Clearance of intravenously administered antipyrine, which reflects the activity of liver microsomal enzymes, was reduced by 37% after 60 min of hepatic dearterialization. In conclusion hepatic dearterialization is accompanied by marked activity in the processes related to carbohydrate, lipid and xenobiotic metabolism. These effects should be taken into account when treating patients with hepatic dearterialization.