Chronic ethanol consumption induces hypomotility in the portal vein of sardinian alcohol-preferring rats

In order to study the physiopathological effects of chronic ethanol intake on the smooth muscle of the vascular system, we have assessed the length-te nsion relationship in isolated portal Veins of Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) rats. Significant differences in motor performance were found between sP naive and sP rats exposed to ethanol consumption (12% w/v) for 48 weeks . Isolated portal veins of sP rats which consumed ethanol chronically showe d a marked decrease of spontaneous and KCI-induced contraction waves when c ompared to sP naive rats. At optimum length (140% L-r) for maximal contract ile performance, the mean amplitude wave in the portal veins of sP drinker rats was about five times less than in sP naive veins. Furthermore, in the veins of sP drinkers, the active curve showed lower values of tension at ea ch elongation of the vascular segment, the maximum value of active tension (7.32 +/- 0.54 mN) represented a reduction in amplitude of about 32% with r espect to sP naive veins. These results indicate that long-term ethanol con sumption impairs portal vein motility.