[Pharmacologic effects on portal circulation]

During the last 10 years interest in pharmacological influencing of functions of the portal circulation in particular an increase of vascular resistance expanded greatly. So far no ideal preparation with significant pharmacotherapeutic action and negligible side-effects was found. In a number of substances adequate evidence is lacking on their declared actions. These data can be obtained only by careful clinical investigations in an adequate number of patients. Data in the literature, however, indicate certain advances in the approach to the solution of these questions. A number of methods were elaborated focused on certain aims. The demands were clarified and unified and have to be respected in experimental as well as clinical investigations. Last not least, interest in new drugs from potentially pharmacodynamic groups was stimulated.