The pathogenesis of cell death and necrosis in the liver is a central topic of research in liver disease. A molecular understanding of events and sequences leading to cellular death provides the basis for preventive and therapeutic efforts. This volume originates from a "Workshop on Experimental Liver Injury" held on November 9 and 10, 1974, in Freiburg, Germany. Recent progress in the elucidation of the mode of action includes agents inducing liver cell necrosis by a primary dis- turbance of nucleotide and nucleic acid metabolism as well as hepa- totoxins characterized by a primary attack on cellular membranes. I hope that this book will contribute to an increasing understanding of disease mechanisms. Freiburg im Breisgau Dietrich Keppler June 1975 Acknowledgments The generous support from Dr. H. Falk, Freiburg, has been a prereqUIsite for the organisation and publication of the meeting on "Pathogenesis and Mechanisms of Liver Cell Necrosis". I wish to express my sincere thanks for this sponsorship. I am indebted to those who acted as chairmen during the meeting: Professors H. Remmer (Tilbingen), M. Frimmer (Giessen), W. Gerok (Freiburg), H. Popper (New York), H.
Schimassek (Heidelberg), and K. Decker (Freiburg).