The changes of hemodynamics and pressure of portal vein follow the changes of pathological process of experimental liver cirrhosis in rats

Aim: In order to explore the mechanisms of portal hypertension,the alterations of hemodynamics and pressure of portal vein during the process of experimental cirrhosis in a rat model were investigated.Methods: Animal model of cirrhosis was made by subcutaneously injection with Carbon tetrachloride in Wistar rats.Hemodynamics and pressure of the portal vein were assessed by ultrasonograph,and then pathology of the livers were observed by serial slices using HE staining.Results: During the formation of experimental cirrhosis,the hepatocyte of rats underwent four processes including degeneration,necrosis,fibrosis and pseudolobule proliferation.The diameter,the blood flow velocity and volume of portal vein significantly rised in 2 weeks after injection of carbon tetrachloride(P0.05 or P0.01) and then reduced in 15 weeks owing to formation of portacaval collateral circulation(P0.01).The pressure and congest index of the portal vein increased in 2,5,15 weeks(P0.05 or P0.01) except for 10 weeks(P0.05).Conclusion: The alterations of hemodynamics and pressure of the portal vein are in accordance with the pathological processes of cirrhosis in rats.