Experimental studies on etiology of portal hypertension in allergic aspect.

To elucidate the mechanism of portal hypertension seen as a symptom of so-called Banti's syndrome (idiopathic portal hypertension), observation was made of rising of the portal pressure experimentally induced in sensitized rabbits. Intraintestinal injection of the same antigen as used for the sensitization resulted in elevation of the portal pressure. This phenomenon appears to be attributable to antigen-antibody reaction caused by the injected antigen absorbed from the intestine and entered thereby into the portal system while maintaining its antigenicity. From the phenomenon also, the site of the antigen-antibody reaction is estimated to be limited at least to the hepatic level. The portal pressure-rising phenomenon observed following intraintestinal introduction of antigen may suggest the possibility of entrance of the orally introduced antigen to the portal system, emphasizes importance of alimentary factors in the genesis of this syndrome.