Effect of volume expansion on hemodynamics, capillary permeability and renal function in conscious, cirrhotic rats

• Published in: Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) Vol. 6; no. 1; p. 129
• Main Authors: Caramelo, C, Fernandez-Muñoz, D, Santos, J C, Blanchart, A, Rodriguez-Puyol, D, López-Novoa, J M, Hernando, L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.01.1986
• Subjects: Animals; Capillary Permeability; Hemodynamics; Kidney - physiopathology; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental - physiopathology; Male; Plasma Volume; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Splanchnic Circulation
• ISSN: 0270-9139
• DOI: 10.1002/hep.1840060125

General and splanchnic hemodynamics (radioactive microspheres), renal function, spontaneous and histamine-mediated vasopermeability and albumin distribution space were studied in conscious control and nonascitic cirrhotic rats, before and after a moderate and sustained saline infusion (3% of body weight per 30 min + repletion of urinary losses). In basal conditions, cirrhotic rats showed lower fractional sodium excretion than did control rats (0.09 +/- 0.01 vs. 0.15 +/- 0.01%, p less than 0.005). In addition, cirrhotic animals showed higher cardiac output (161.4 +/- 12.8 ml per min) and lower total peripheral resistance (0.63 +/- 0.05 mm Hg . min per ml) and mean arterial pressure (102.9 +/- 3.9 mm Hg) than did control rats (cardiac output: 89.0 +/- 7.6; total peripheral resistance: 1.31 +/- 0.11; mean arterial pressure: 117.5 +/- 5.11; p less than 0.005). No differences in portal-systemic shunt rate or vasopermeability between both groups were observed. After saline infusion, fractional sodium excretion increased to 4.31 +/- 0.16% in controls but only 2.11 +/- 0.02% in cirrhotic animals. In this group, cardiac output decreased by 49.6 +/- 5.1% whereas mean arterial pressure and total peripheral resistance increased by 7.1 +/- 0.6 and 112 +/- 10%, respectively. In control rats, no significant hemodynamic changes were observed. Blood gases did not change after expansion in any group. Saline infusion induced an increase in histamine-mediated vasopermeability in cirrhotic rats but not in control rats. Also albumin distribution space increased more in cirrhotic than in control animals. Heart weight was higher in cirrhotic rats.