Effect of Drug Infusion on the Splanchnic Circulation. I. Angiotensin Infusion in Normal and Cirrhotic Subjects

Abstract

Summary

The effect on splanchnic circulation of a constant infusion of angiotensin was investigated on 8 normal subjects and 7 cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension. The rate of angiotensin infusion was varied to obtain a rise in mean arterial pressure of 50% and ranged from 0.3 to 0.5 γ/kg/min. Both cardiac output and estimated hepatic blood flow were reduced, respectively, by 17.5 and 23.9%. Portal venous pressure remained unchanged. Splanchnic resistances increased by 118.3%. These effects were present in the subjects of both groups.