THE EFFECT OF INDOMETHACIN ON LIVER BLOOD-FLOW AND OXYGEN-SUPPLY UPTAKE RELATIONSHIP IN THE DOG

The effects of indomethacin on liver blood Bow and oxygen supply-uptak e relationship were investigated using a right heart bypass technique. Portal venous blood flow was decreased by the mesenteric vascular eff ects of indomethacin, which produce intense mesenteric vasoconstrictio n. Hepatic arterial blood flow was increased and therefore, total live r blood flow was not significantly changed after indomethacin administ ration. Portal venous oxygen delivery was significantly decreased by r eductions in both portal venous blood flow and portal venous oxygen co ntent. Total liver oxygen delivery, however, was not changed after ind omethacin administration. This response was caused by a large increase in hepatic arterial oxygen delivery. Liver oxygen uptake and liver ox ygen extraction ratio were not changed after indomethacin administrati on. We conclude, therefore, that total liver Mood Bow and oxygen deliv ery were well maintained, even if the mesenteric Vascular effects of i ndomethacin decreased both portal Venous blood Bow and portal venous o xygen delivery.