Hemodynamic and morphological changes in the stomach of portal hypertensive rats.

To determine hemodynamic and morphological changes in the stomach of portal hypertensive rats, male WKA rats were given CCl4 subcutaneously in order to induce liver cirrhosis. The portal venous pressure of cirrhotic rats was significantly higher (17.7 cm H2O) than that of controls (10.5 cm H2O). Mucosal blood flow of the stomach in the portal hypertensive rat was increased (+ 46%) compared with that of controls and the peripheral vascular resistance of the stomach was significantly low. Morphological studies revealed that capillaries, collecting, submucosal, serosal and portal veins were significantly dilated; however, there were no apparent alterations in the arterial system of the stomach of the portal hypertensive rats. These results suggest that in the stomach of the portal hypertensive rat there is an increased blood flow and decreased peripheral vascular resistance and that this hyperdynamic circulatory state may derive from the dilatation of microvascular systems.