Increased Hepatic Oxygenation following Ethanol Administration in the Baboon

Abstract

The effects of ethanol on hepatic oxygenation were measured by hepatic vein catheterization in the baboon. Chronic alcohol administration resulted in slightly lower oxygen tension in the hepatic vein, but not ischemia, when measured after an overnight fast when alcohol was no longer present in the blood. I.v. alcohol administration resulted in an increase in hepatic vein oxygen tension regardless of prior exposure to alcohol or the presence of liver disease. The increased oxygen tension after alcohol was associated with a marked increase in hepatic blood flow. These data in conjunction with the observation of progressive liver injury in the alcohol-fed animals support the concept that alcoholic liver injury can develop despite unimpaired hepatic oxygenation.