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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Visualization and Analysis of Blood Flow and Oxygen Consumption in Hepatic Microcirculation: Application to an Acute Hepatitis Model
Published on: August 4, 2012
Disturbance of hepatic and intestinal microcirculation in experimental liver cirrhosis
Sasa-Marcel Maksan1, Eduard Ryschich, Zilfi Ulger
1Department of Surgery, University of Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, D-55131 Mainz, Germany. maksan@ach.klinik.uni-mainz.de
Aim:
To analyze hepatic, mesenteric and mucosal microcirculation and leukocyte-endothelium interaction (LEI) in a rat model with liver cirrhosis.
Methods:
Hepatic cirrhosis was induced in Wistar rats by gavage with carbon tetrachloride, and intravital videomicroscopy was performed in liver, mesentery and small intestine mucosa. Special emphasis is given on microcirculatory and morphometric changes during cirrhotic portal hypertension.
Results:
LEI was influenced significantly in the cirrhotic liver but not in the gut. Blood flow measurement showed significant differences among liver, main mesenteric vessels and the mucosa. The results of our study indicate that liver cirrhosis leads to alterations in hepatic and mesenteric blood flow but not in mucosal blood flow.
Conclusion:
The enhanced inflammatory response in hepatic microvessels may be caused by a decrease of antithrombin III levels and could be responsible for disturbances of organ pathology.
Related Concept Videos
Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology
Cirrhosis I: Introduction
Portal Hypertension

