HEPATIC HEMODYNAMICS AND RETICULOENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION IN THE RAT IN RESPONSE TO CHRONIC ETHANOL ADMINISTRATION

This study investigated the effects of chronic ethanol intake on hepat ic haemodynamics and reticuloendothelial system function in the rat. C omparisons were also made with blood flow to pancreas, kidney, spleen, lung and skin. Male Wistar rats, approximately 0.15 kg initial body w eight, were fed a diet containing 35% of the total calories as ethanol . Controls were pair-fed identical amounts of the same diet in which e thanol was replaced by isocaloric glucose. The hepatic perfusion index and reticuloendothelial function was determined with [Tc-99m]-labelle d sulphur colloid [Tc-99m]-SC) and blood flow with radiolabelled micro spheres under anaesthesia. After 4-5 weeks the weights of liver and sk irt of alcohol fed rats decreased by 10% (p = 0.040) and 23% (p = 0.02 4), respectively, compared to controls and there was a small increase in kidney weight (15%, p = 0.001). Blood flow to liver, pancreas, kidn ey, spleen, lung and skin was not altered significantly by chronic alc ohol administration, irrespective of whether the data were expressed a s a percentage of cardiac output, blood flow per minute per organ or b lood flow per minute per g tissue weight (p > 0.113 in all instances). However, there was a significant increase in splenic reticuloendothel ial system activity (+ 121%, p = 0.018). Hepatic reticuloendothelial s ystem activity was also increased (+ 22%, p = 0.061). Chronic alcohol administration resulted in significant increases in portal pressure ( 55%, p = 0.042) and portal venous resistance (+ 66%, p = 0.001), but portal venous inflow and hepatic perfusion index were not altered comp ared to controls The results of this study indicated that chronic alco hol administration did not alter visceral blood flow significantly, bu t did increase portal pressure, portal vascular resistance and reticul oendothelial system activity.