Activity of brush border membrane enzymes in proximal jejunum of portal hypertensive rats

Purpose. Malabsorption accompanies portal hypertension, especially when ass ociated with chronic liver disease. The development of portal hypertension is accompanied by significant alterations in the splanchnic microcirculatio n. In this study, the effect of extrahepatic and intrahepatic portal hypert ension on brush border membrane enzymes was estimated. Methods. Portal hype rtension was induced in rats by partial portal vein ligation (PPVL) (n = 6) and common bile duct ligation (CBDL) (n = 6), and the activity of sucrase, lactase, alkaline phosphatase, and leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) in the int estinal homogenate was measured. Re-suits. Intrasplenic pulp pressure (ISPP ) (in cm of saline) was found to be elevated in PPVL (21.3 +/- 1.47) and CB DL animals (21.5 +/- 1.79) as compared with findings in their respective sh am-operated controls (12.74 +/- 0.86, 11.83 +/- 1.04). Only sucrase and LAP activity was significantly elevated (P < 0.05) in the PPVL group. No chang es were observed in the CBDL group. Conclusion. Only sucrase and LAP activi ties were increased in PPVL rats.