Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
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J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. · Aug 2005
Comparative StudyVasoconstrictor responses are normal but prostanoid-mediated vasodilatation is enhanced in human cirrhotic mesenteric arteries.
The mechanisms responsible for mesenteric vasodilatation in cirrhosis have not been fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to examine whether there is altered intrinsic vascular reactivity of human mesenteric vessels in cirrhosis, which might contribute to vasodilatation in vivo. ⋯ The findings of the present study indicate that intrinsic hyporesponsiveness to vasoconstrictors does not play a pathogenetic role in the mesenteric vasodilatation in human cirrhosis. Furthermore, vasodilator prostanoids might make a significant contribution in mediating enhanced endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in the mesenteric circulation.