Bradykinin-induced changes in caliber of portal vein during splanchnic angiography

The caliber of the portal vein was investigated in two groups of patients subjected to celiac and mesenteric angiography. In one group, 10 patients (the controls) two angiographic series were performed without giving any pharmacon but the contrast medium. In the other group, 20 patients, also two angiographic series were performed but bradykinin 10 mug was given in the superior mesenteric artery before the second series. Injection of bradykinin resulted in a dilation of the portal vein in 18 of 20 patients, while there was no change in portal caliber in the controls.