Isolation-perfusion was used as a means of heating human livers with cancer. Perfusion was at 42-42.5 degrees C for 4 h. Perfusate constituents were analyzed in an attempt to identify factors contributing to the hepatotoxic effects of hyperthermia. During perfusion the perfusate constituents analyzed were: urea; total amino acids; uric acid; malonaldehyde; and lysosomal enzymes. Hepatic ammonia for urea synthesis is derived from degradation of amino acids, amines, and nucleic acids. An increase in proteolysis was reflected in the increase in urea from 0.6 +/- 0.2 mM to 1.9 +/- 8 mM and total amino acids from 1.0 +/- 0.6 mM to 4.4 +/- 1.7 mM during the 4 h of perfusion at 42-42.5 degrees C. An increase in purine catabolism occurred as evidenced by an increase in perfusate uric acid from 1.7 +/- 1.0 mg/100 ml to 6.1 +/- 2.7 mg/100 ml. Free oxygen radicals, which can lead to lipid peroxidation, are generated by the action of xanthine oxidase on xanthine. Lipid peroxidation occurring during perfusion was assessed by an increase in malonaldehyde from 2.3 +/- 1.3 microM to 10.4 +/- 10.0 microM. An increase in acid phosphatase in the perfusate from 38 +/- 15 units/liter to 78 +/- 45 units/liter occurred, suggesting labilization of lysosomes, perhaps through lipid peroxidation. Proteolysis and lipid peroxidation are suggested to be two interrelated factors contributing to heat toxicity in the perfused human liver with cancer.