Portal Venous Blood Flow (portal + venous_blood_flow)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


In vivo evaluation of an implantable portal pump system for augmenting liver perfusion

BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 8 2000
L. R. Jiao
Background Increasing portal inflow in cirrhosis using a mechanical pump reduces portal venous pressure and improves liver function. A pump has been developed for portal vein implantation in human cirrhosis. This study describes the initial in vivo evaluation in a porcine model. Methods Five Large White pigs underwent laparotomy and exposure of the liver. Flow in the hepatic artery, portal vein and hepatic microcirculation was monitored continuously. Hepatic tissue oxygenation was measured by near-infrared spectroscopy. After baseline measurements the pump was inserted into the portal vein. Pump flow rate was then increased stepwise to 50 per cent over the baseline value for a period of 2 h. The pump was then stopped for 20 min and left in situ while continuing to collect systemic and hepatic haemodynamic data. The animal was killed and biopsies for histological examination were taken from the liver, small intestine and spleen. Results The baseline total hepatic blood flow was 626(39) ml/min; the hepatic artery supplied 18·4(2·1) per cent and the portal vein 81·6(2·1) per cent. The pump was inserted successfully in all animals without surgical complications. During surgical insertion of the pump, the temporary portal vein occlusion resulted in a significant rise in hepatic artery blood flow (22(3) per cent; P < 0·01 versus baseline). Portal vein flow was augmented by pumping; there was a significant correlation between the pump motor speed and portal vein flow (P < 0·0001). This inflow correlated directly with flow in the hepatic microcirculation and hepatic tissue oxygenation (P < 0·001). The pump ran satisfactorily throughout the study. Histological examination revealed no evidence of structural damage to the liver or ischaemic changes in the small intestine or spleen. Conclusion It is technically possible and safe to insert an implantable pump in the portal vein. Portal venous blood flow can be increased up to 50 per cent with a resultant increase in flow in the hepatic microcirculation and hepatic oxygenation and without adverse effects on either hepatic or systemic haemodynamics. © 2000 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd [source]


Biliverdin therapy protects rat livers from ischemia and reperfusion injury

HEPATOLOGY, Issue 6 2004
Constantino Fondevila
Heme oxygenase (HO-1) provides a cellular defense mechanism during oxidative stress and catalyzes the rate-limiting step in heme metabolism that produces biliverdin (BV). The role of BV and its potential use in preventing ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) had never been studied. This study was designed to explore putative cytoprotective functions of BV during hepatic IRI in rat liver models of ex vivo perfusion and orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) after prolonged periods of cold ischemia. In an ex vivo hepatic IRI model, adjunctive BV improved portal venous blood flow, increased bile production, and decreased hepatocellular damage. These findings were correlated with amelioration of histological features of IRI, as assessed by Suzuki's criteria. Following cold ischemia and syngeneic OLT, BV therapy extended animal survival from 50% in untreated controls to 90% to 100%. This effect correlated with improved liver function and preserved hepatic architecture. Additionally, BV adjuvant after OLT decreased endothelial expression of cellular adhesion molecules (P-selectin and intracellular adhesion molecule 1), and decreased the extent of infiltration by neutrophils and inflammatory macrophages. BV also inhibited expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1,, tumor necrosis factor ,, and interleukin 6) in OLTs. Finally, BV therapy promoted an increased expression of antiapoptotic molecules independently of HO-1 expression, consistent with BV being an important mediator through which HO-1 prevents cell death. In conclusion, this study documents and dissects potent cytoprotective effects of BV in well-established rat models of hepatic IRI. Our results provide the rationale for a novel therapeutic approach using BV to maximize the function and thus the availability of donor organs. (HEPATOLOGY 2004;40:1333,1341.) [source]


Functional significance of hepatic arterial flow reserve in patients with cirrhosis

HEPATOLOGY, Issue 2 2003
Alexander Zipprich
In cirrhosis, hepatic arterial vasodilatation occurs in response to reduced portal venous blood flow. However, although the hepatic arterial flow reserve is high in patients with cirrhosis, its impact on hepatic function is unknown. This study investigated the effect of adenosine-induced hepatic arterial vasodilatation on different markers of liver function. In 20 patients with cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class A/B/C: n = 2/7/11) adenosine (2-30 ,g · min,1 · kg body wt,1) was infused into the hepatic artery and hepatic arterial average peak flow velocities (APV), pulsatility indices (PI), and blood flow volumes (HABF) were measured using digital angiography and intravascular Doppler sonography. Indocyanine green (ICG), lidocaine, and galactose were administered intravenously in doses of 0.5, 1.0, and 500 mg/kg body weight in the presence of adenosine-induced hepatic arterial vasodilatation and, on a separate study day, without adenosine. ICG disappearance, galactose elimination capacity (GEC), and formation of the lidocaine metabolite monoethylglycinxylidide (MEGX) were assessed. Adenosine markedly increased APV and HABF and markedly decreased PI. Serum MEGX concentrations were 63.7 ± 18.2 (median, 62; range, 36-107) and 99.0 ± 46.3 (82.5; 49-198) ng/mL in the absence and presence of adenosine infusion, respectively (P = .001). Adenosine-induced changes in MEGX concentrations were correlated inversely to changes in APV (r = ,0.5, P = .02) and PI (r = ,0.55, P = .01) and were more marked in Child-Pugh class C compared with Child-Pugh class A patients (57.4 ± 49.9 [44; ,14 to 140] vs. 8.4 ± 16.5 [13; ,11 to 35] ng/mL, P < .01). In conclusion, hepatic arterial vasodilatation provides substantial functional benefit in patients with cirrhosis. The effect does not depend directly on hepatic arterial macroperfusion and is observed preferentially in patients with decompensated disease. [source]


Color Doppler sonographic signs of respiration-dependent hepatofugal portal flow

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND, Issue 2 2004
Christian Görg MD
Abstract Purpose The role of respiration in modulating blood flow in the portal vein is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the phenomenon of respiration-dependent periodic hepatofugal portal venous blood flow as detected on color Doppler sonography. Methods Within 1 year, we identified 13 patients with respiration-dependent reversal of blood flow in the portal vein that was diagnosed on color Doppler sonography. This phenomenon was investigated by color Doppler sonographic examination of the portal venous flow during both mid-inspiration breath-holding and a respiratory cycle including deep inspiration; evaluation of hepatic vein Doppler waveforms as normal (triphasic) or decreased (flattened); and echocardiographic examination to determine the presence or absence of tricuspid regurgitation. Results The patients' median age was 53 years (range, 26,87 years). Seven of the 13 patients had heart disease (tricuspid regurgitation) with or without liver disease, 3 had liver disease without heart disease, and 3 had other diseases with no evidence of heart or liver disease. On Doppler sonography, 10 of the 13 patients had increased portal venous pulsatility (7 of the 10 had tricuspid regurgitation; the other 3 did not); the remaining 3 patients had neither increased pulsatility nor tricuspid regurgitation. Sonographic follow-up within 4 weeks in 4 of the 13 patients revealed loss of the respiration-dependent hepatofugal portal flow. Conclusions Respiration-dependent hepatofugal portal flow is a rare finding associated with periodic portal hypertension in patients with right heart insufficiency and liver disease. Its clinical significance is unclear. Among our patients, its occurrence was predominantly associated with an increased venous pulsatility index due to tricuspid regurgitation or venous outflow obstruction. Further study is needed to investigate whether periodic respiration-dependent hepatofugal portal flow is predictive of the occurrence of continuous flow reversal. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 32:62,68, 2004 [source]


Tezosentan normalizes hepatomesenteric perfusion in a porcine model of cardiac tamponade

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2 2009
A. ÅNEMAN
Background: To investigate endothelin-1 (ET-1)-dependent hepatic and mesenteric vasoconstriction, and oxygen and lactate fluxes in an acute, fixed low cardiac output (CO) state. Methods: Sixteen anesthetized, mechanically ventilated pigs were studied. Cardiac tamponade was established to reduce portal venous blood flow (QPV) to 2/3 of the baseline value. CO, hepatic artery blood flow (QHA), QPV, hepatic laser-Doppler flow (LDF), hepatic venous and portal pressure, and hepatic and mesenteric oxygen and lactate fluxes were measured. Hepatic arterial (RHA), portal (RHP) and mesenteric (Rmes) vascular resistances were calculated. The combined ETA,ETB receptor antagonist tezosentan (RO 61-0612) or normal saline vehicle was infused in the low CO state. Measurements were made at baseline, after 30, 60, 90 min of tamponade, and 30, 60, 90 min following the infusion of tesozentan at 1 mg/kg/h. Results: Tamponade decreased CO, QPV, QHA, LDF, hepatic and mesenteric oxygen delivery, while hepatic and mesenteric oxygen extraction and lactate release increased. RHA, RHP and Rmes all increased. Ninety minutes after tesozentan, QPV, LDF and hepatic and mesenteric oxygen delivery and extraction increased approaching baseline values, but no effect was seen on CO or QHA. Hepatic and mesenteric handling of lactate converted to extraction. RHA, RHP and Rmes returned to baseline values. No changes were observed in these variables among control animals not receiving tesozentan. Conclusion: In a porcine model of acute splanchnic hypoperfusion, unselective ET-1 blockade restored hepatomesenteric perfusion and reversed lactate metabolism. These observations might be relevant when considering liver protection in low CO states. [source]


Systemic and splanchnic haemodynamic effects of sildenafil in an in vivo animal model of cirrhosis support for a risk in cirrhotic patients

LIVER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2004
Isabelle Colle
Abstract: Objectives: Sildenafil is a selective inhibitor of the cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type V (PDE-V) in the corpus cavernosum. PDE-V is also present in the mesenteric artery. Cirrhosis is complicated by a splanchnic vasodilation attributed to a local overproduction of nitric oxide (NO). As sildenafil potentiates the effects of NO, it may further decrease mesenteric vascular tone and increase portal venous blood flow. The aim is to evaluate the effects of sildenafil on the systemic and splanchnic haemodynamics in an experimental model of cirrhosis. Methods: Secondary biliary cirrhosis was induced in male Wistar rats by common bile duct ligation (CBDL, n=8); control rats were sham-operated (sham, n=7). The mean arterial pressure (MAP), portal venous pressure (PVP) and arterial mesenteric blood flow (MBF) were measured after intramesenteric (0.01,10 mg/kg) and after intravenous (i.v.) (0.01,10 mg/kg) administration of sildenafil. Results: Baseline PVP was significantly higher in CBDL than in sham rats, whereas baseline MAP tended to be lower and MBF tended to be higher in CBDL compared with sham rats. Both intramesenteric and i.v. injection of sildenafil significantly decreased MAP and increased MBF and PVP in a dose-dependent way. The decrease in MAP was significantly less important in CBDL than in sham rats. The increase in MBF was importantly lower in CBDL than in sham rats. PVP tended to increase more significantly in sham rats than in CBDL. Conclusion: Sildenafil increases MBF and PVP and induces systemic hypotension. The effects are less pronounced in cirrhosis, suggesting vascular hyporesponsiveness to sildenafil. Although the rise in PVP in cirrhotic animals is smaller than in controls, it may present a risk for haemorrhagic complications. Further studies are necessary before prescribing sildenafil to patients with cirrhosis. [source]


The angiotensin II receptor blocker candesartan improves survival and mesenteric perfusion in an acute porcine endotoxin model

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2 2004
M. Laesser
Background:, Blockade of the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor has been demonstrated to ameliorate splanchnic hypoperfusion in acute experimental circulatory failure. This study focused on hemodynamic changes and survival in pigs treated with AT1 blockade prior to or during acute endotoxinemia. Methods:,Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide endotoxin was infused in anesthetized and mechanically ventilated pigs. Systemic, renal, mesenteric and jejunal mucosal perfusion as well as systemic oxygen and acid-base balance were monitored. The selective AT1 receptor blocker candesartan was administered prior to as well as during endotoxinemia. Control animals received the saline vehicle. Results:, Pre-treatment with candesartan resulted in higher survival rate (83%, 10 out of 12 animals) compared with 50% (6 of 12) in control animals and 27% (3 of 11) in animals treated during endotoxinemia. Pre-treatment with candesartan resulted in higher cardiac output, mixed venous oxygen saturation, arterial standard base-excess, portal venous blood flow during endotoxin infusion compared with controls and animals treated during endotoxinemia. No adverse effects were found on neither systemic nor renal circulation. Conclusion:, The favorable results of AT1 receptor blockade prior to endotoxinemia are lost when blockade is established during endotoxinemia demonstrating the importance of the renin-angiotensin system and its dynamic involvement in acute endotoxinemic shock. [source]


Ischaemic preconditioning improves microvascular perfusion and oxygenation following reperfusion injury of the intestine,

BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 9 2005
I. H. Mallick
Background: Ischaemia,reperfusion (IR) injury of the intestine occurs commonly during abdominal surgery. Ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) provides a way of protecting the organ from damage inflicted by IR. This study was designed to evaluate the beneficial effect of IPC, focusing on the intestinal microcirculation and oxygenation in intestinal IR injury. Methods: Rats were allocated to three groups. Animals in the IR and IPC groups underwent 30 min of intestinal ischaemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion. In the IPC group this was preceded by 10 min of ischaemia and 10 min of reperfusion. Animals in the third group underwent laparotomy but no vascular occlusion. Intestinal microvascular perfusion, oxygenation and portal venous blood flow (PVF) were monitored continuously. At the end of the reperfusion period, blood samples were obtained for measurement of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and biopsies of ileum for histological evaluation. Results: IPC improved intestinal microvascular perfusion and tissue oxygenation significantly at the end of the reperfusion period (P < 0·001). PVF improved significantly in the IPC compared with the IR group (P = 0·005). The serum LDH concentration was significantly lower in the IPC than the IR group (mean(s.e.m.) 667·1(86·8) versus 1973·8(306·5) U/l; P < 0·001) Histological examination showed that ileal mucosa was significantly less injured in the IPC group. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that IPC improves intestinal microvascular perfusion and oxygenation. Copyright © 2005 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]