Effects of superior mesenteric artery stenosis on splanchnic and systemic hemodynamics in conscious rats with biliary cirrhosis.

Abstract Background/Aims: Since portal tributary blood flow is increased in portal hypertension due to cirrhosis, a reduction in mesenteric arterial blood flow should decrease portal pressure. Methods: Calibrated stenosis of the superior mesenteric artery was performed in bile duct ligated rats, using a 22-gauge needle. Arterial stenosis was performed 4 weeks after bile duct ligation. Hemodynamic studies were performed in the 5th week following bile duct ligation in conscious rats. Results: At that time, no digestive tract alterations were observed. In rats with mesenteric arterial stenosis, porta pressure was 12.2±2.0 mmHg; this value was lower than in rats with cirrhosis without arterial stenosis (14.5±1.1 mmHg) but higher than normal rats (5.8±0.7 mmHg). In rats with cirrhosis with mesenteric arterial stenosis, portal tributary and mesenteric blood flows were lower than in rats with cirrhosis without arterial stenosis and not significantly different from normal rats. In rats with mesenteric stenosis, cardiac index was significantly lower than in rats with cirrhosis and not significantly different from normal rats. Conclusion: This study shows that calibrated superior mesenteric arterial stenosis normalized portal tributary blood flow and reduced but did not normalize the degree of portal hypertension.