A PORTAL-VEIN-CATHETERIZATION TECHNIQUE IN PIGS AND SHEEP, AND POSTPRANDIAL CHANGES OF PO(2), PCO(2), PH, UREA, AMMONIA, AND CREATININE ANDPROTEINS IN PORTAL AND ARTERIAL BLOOD MEASURED IN PIGS

This paper describes a catheterization procedure which enables samplin g of portal blood from the region of the hilus in the liver. In the pr ocedure, a blood-sampling catheter is introduced directly into the hep atic portal vein between the pancreas and the liver by use oi a blood- vessel clamp. The length of the catheter in the portal vein is 3-4 cm. A second catheter is placed in the carotid artery. The catheterizatio n has been performed in pigs and sheep. Catheters can be used over a p eriod of 12 weeks in pigs and 6 months in sheep. A pilot experiment wa s conducted with two pigs provided with a catheter in the portal vein and in the carotid artery and fed twice daily (0800 and 2000 h). The p ostprandial blood gases (pO(2) and pCO(2)), pH and concentrations of u rea, ammonia, creatinine, plasma total proteins and albumins were meas ured in portal and arterial blood (0, 1.5, 3.5, 6, 9 h, postprandial). The results showed significant (p < 0.05) portoarterial (P-A) differe nce of pO(2) and pCO(2), in blood. The P-A difference in blood plasma concentrations of ammonia were also significantly different (p < 0.05) . The results indicate that pCO(2) and pH in portal blood and P-A diff erences of pCO(2) and pH change with time after a meal.