Changes in serotonin and histamine levels in blood and liver after acute hepatic ischemia

: To clarify the changes of vasoactive amines associated with acute hepatic failure, ammonia, tryptophan, serotonin (5-HT) and histamine in the blood and liver were studied in dogs (n = 22) of each three group of acute hepatic ischemia; occlusion of hepatic artery (controls), occlusion of hepatic artery and portal vein (THI), and portocaval shunt with THI (PCS + THI). These biochemical changes were studied in each group at six time intervals: Preocclusion, 15 and 30 minutes postocclusion, and 30, 60 and 120 minutes after release of occlusion. A rapid rise of blood ammonia levels was observed in groups of THI and PCS + THI after occlusion. Blood 5-HT increased in postocclusion of both controls and THI. However, a decrease of 5-HT was observed in PCS + THI. Hepatic 5-HT also increased after occlusion in THI and PCS + THI as compared with a decrease in controls. Plasma histamine rose significantly in all groups after the occlusion. These data demonstrated that the changes of vasoactive amines in hepatic ischemia and/or splanchnic pooling appeared to affect microcirculation of the liver and play a role of pathogenesis of hepatic failure after hepatic ischemia.