Changes in splanchnic blood flow in portal hypertensive rats.

This study was undertaken to assess splanchnic blood flow in rats with portal hypertension induced by portal vein stenosis. Splanchnic blood flow, estimated by the microsphere method, was significantly higher in portal hypertensive rats than in sham-operated rats: 26.5 +/- 3.9 (mean +/- SD) and 17.5 +/- 3.3 ml/min, respectively (P less than 0.001). Hepatic blood flow, estimated by the clearance method, was significantly lower in portal hypertensive rats than in sham-operated rats: 12.7 +/- 1.1 and 17.3 +/- 2.8 ml/min, respectively (P less than 0.001). It is concluded that splanchnic blood flow is increased in rats with portal hypertension and that hepatic blood flow is different from splanchnic blood flow in these portal hypertensive rats. It is hypothesized that splanchnic blood flow may also be increased in patients with portal hypertension.