Effects of hypovolemic shock and reperfusion on liver blood flow in the dog.

Liver blood flow was investigated in hypovolemic shock using a modified right heart bypass technique which can obtain accurate portal blood flow. Findings were similar to those previously reported: hepatic blood flow accounted for 34% of cardiac output in this study; 76% of hepatic blood flow was delivered from the portal vein and 24% from the hepatic artery. Hypovolemic shock markedly decreased total liver blood flow by a reduction in portal venous blood flow. The findings of this study provide evidence that mesenteric blood flow is a peripheral circulation circuit where blood flow is restricted during reduced circulatory volume. Development of a hepatic arterial buffer response during hypovolemic shock was confirmed by an increased ratio of hepatic arterial flow to cardiac output. Reduced total hepatic blood flow during hypovolemic shock returned to control flow by an increase in hepatic arterial flow after reperfusion. The results of this study demonstrate that compensated reactions for maintaining liver blood flow mainly due to the hepatic arterial buffer response were functioned both during hypovolemic shock and after elimination of shock.