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  • Title: Effects of endothelin-1 on portal-systemic collaterals of common bile duct-ligated cirrhotic rats.
    Author: Chan CC, Wang SS, Lee FY, Chang FY, Lin HC, Hou MC, Huang HC, Lee SD.
    Journal: Eur J Clin Invest; 2004 Apr; 34(4):290-6. PubMed ID: 15086361.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) may induce intrahepatic vasoconstriction and consequently increase portal pressure. Endothelin-1 has been shown to exert a direct vasoconstrictive effect on the collateral vessels in partially portal vein-ligated rats with a high degree of portal-systemic shunting. This study investigated the collateral vascular responses to ET-1, the receptors in mediation and the regulation of ET-1 action by nitric oxide and prostaglandin in cirrhotic rats with a relatively low degree of portal-systemic shunting. METHODS: The portal-systemic collaterals of common bile duct-ligated (BDL) cirrhotic rats were tested by in situ perfusion. The concentration-response curves of collaterals to graded concentrations of ET-1 (10(-10)-10(-7) m) with or without BQ-123 (ET(A) receptor antagonist, 2 x 10(-6) m), BQ-788 (ET(B) receptor antagonist, 10(-7) m) or both were recorded. In addition, the collateral responses to ET-1 with preincubation of N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (NNA, 10(-4) M), indomethacin (INDO, 10(-5) M) or in combination were assessed. RESULTS: Endothelin-1 significantly increased the perfusion pressures of portal-systemic collaterals. The ET-1-induced constrictive effects were inhibited by BQ-123 or BQ-123 plus BQ-788 but not by BQ-788 alone. The inhibitory effect was greater in the combination group. Pretreatment of NNA or NNA plus INDO equivalently enhanced the response of ET-1 while pretreatment of INDO alone exerted no effect. CONCLUSION: Endothelin-1 has a direct vasoconstrictive effect on the collaterals of BDL cirrhotic rats, mainly mediated by ET(A) receptor. Endogenous nitric oxide may play an important role in modulating the effects of ET-1 in the portal-systemic collaterals of BDL cirrhotic rats.
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