Hemodynamic Features of Advanced Cirrhosis Due to Chronic Bile Duct Ligation

Aim: The aim of the present study was to compare the hemodynamic features of portal hypertension in rats with early cirrhosis with those of rats with advanced cirrhosis following common bile duct ligation (CBDL). Methods: A total of 53 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Hemodynamics were evaluated under conscious and unrestrained conditions 4 weeks and 8 weeks after CBDL, and 4 weeks after a sham operation. Arterial pressure and portal pressure were measured directly via catheters placed in the right femoral artery and main portal vein, respectively. The cardiac index and organ (splanchninc organs, brain, kidneys and lungs) blood flow were determined by the reference sample method using 141Ce-labeled microspheres (15 μm in diameter). Arterial levels of endothelin-1 and nitrate/nitrite, as well as liver function variables, were also determined. Results: Portal pressure was significantly higher 8 weeks after CBDL (15.8±2.1, n=8)than 4 weeks after CBDL (13.9±2.1 mmHg, n=12, p