Splanchnic Hemodynamics as Influenced by Hepatic Ischemia.

Abstract

The influence of complete hepatic ischemia of 2 hours'' duration on arterial blood pressure, portal vein pressure, heart rate, and mesenteric vascular resistance was studied in dogs. During ischemia, small gradual decreases occurred in arterial pressure, heart rate, portal blood flow and mesenteric resistance. On release of the occluding ligatures on the hepatic artery and portal vein, the following changes were seen: an immediate sharp decrease in arterial blood pressure; a brief period of increase in portal blood flow, followed by a decline; a sharp increase in portal venous pressure, and a marked decrease in mesenteric vascular resistance. These manifestations lasted approximately 5 minutes, and were then followed by a partial recovery of arterial pressure and portal blood flow, some reduction of portal venous pressure, and a significant increase in mesenteric resistance. Heart rate showed no significant change.