Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Invasive Hemodynamic Characterization of the Portal-hypertensive Syndrome in Cirrhotic Rats
Published on: August 1, 2018
Increased circulating urotensin II in cirrhosis: potential implications in liver disease
William Kemp1, Stuart Roberts, Henry Krum
1NHMRC Centre of Clinical Research Excellence in Therapeutics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. w.kemp@alfred.org.au
Abstract:
Urotensin II (UII) is a potent vasoactive mediator which, through interaction with a specific G-protein coupled receptor, can result in either a vasoconstrictive or vasodilatory response. In addition to its effect upon vascular tone, UII possess mitogenic and fibrogenic potential. The influence of UII on vascular tone is to some degree both species-specific and disease-specific. Increased circulating UII levels have been documented in subjects with liver cirrhosis although the significance of this finding with regards to the development of chronic liver disease and portal hypertension has yet to be fully elucidated. In this review we focus on the potential relevance of UII as a vasoactive mediator in the chronic liver disease population and postulate as to the site of overproduction of UII.
Related Concept Videos
Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology
Cirrhosis I: Introduction
Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology
Portal Hypertension
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology
Ascites
