Peribiliary plexa--important pathways for shunting of iodized oil and silicon rubber solution from the hepatic artery to the portal vein. An experimental study in rats.

OBJECTIVES

Iodized oil is commonly used in chemoembolization of hepatic tumors, and silicon rubber solution is used for casting studies of hepatic tumor vasculature. Understanding the distribution patterns of iodized oil and silicon rubber solution is of significance in the refinement of iodized oil techniques and proper interpretation of hepatic tumor vascular studies. In this study, the location for iodized oil and silicon rubber solution shunting from the hepatic artery to the portal vein was identified.

METHODS

Iodized oil and silicone rubber solution were injected into the hepatic artery in rats. The porta hepatis and the liver periphery were examined using in vivo microscopy.

RESULTS

Iodized oil and silicone rubber solution had identical distribution patterns in the hepatic circulation. Both were shunted in large quantities from the hepatic artery into the portal vein through the peribiliary plexa. Other potential shunting sites did not contribute to the shunting.

CONCLUSIONS

Though of different chemical natures, iodized oil and silicon rubber solution share similar distribution patterns in the liver. Hepatic arterioportal shunting of these substances occurs via the peribiliary plexa.