Hepatic haemodynamics and reticuloendothelial function in the rat in response to chronic ethanol administration

This study investigated the effects of chronic ethanol intake on hepatic haemodynamics and reticuloendothelial system function in the rat. Comparisons were also made with blood flow to pancreas, kidney, spleen, lung and skin. Male Wistar rats, approximately 0.15 kg initial body weight, were fed a diet containing 35% of the total calories as ethanol. Controls were pair-fed identical amounts of the same diet in which ethanol was replaced by isocaloric glucose. The hepatic perfusion index and reticuloendothelial function was determined with [(99m) Tc]-labelled sulphur colloid [(99m) Tc]-SC) and blood flow with radiolabelled microspheres under anaesthesia. After 4-5 weeks the weights of liver and skin of alcohol fed rats decreased by 10% (p= 0.040) and 23% (p= 0.024), respectively, compared to controls and there was a small increase in kidney weight (15%, p = 0.001). Blood flow to liver, pancreas, kidney, spleen, lung and skin was not altered significantly by chronic alcohol administration, irrespective of whether the data were expressed as a percentage of cardiac output, blood flow per minute per organ or blood flow per minute per g tissue weight (p > 0.113 in all instances). However, there was a significant increase in splenic reticuloendothelial system activity (+ 121%, p = 0.018). Hepatic reticuloendothelial system activity was also increased (+ 22%, p = 0.061). Chronic alcohol administration resulted in significant increases in portal pressure (+ 55%, p = 0.042) and portal venous resistance (+ 66%, p = 0.001), but portal venous inflow and hepatic perfusion index were not altered compared to controls The results of this study indicated that chronic alcohol administration did not alter visceral blood flow significantly, but did increase portal pressure, portal vascular resistance and reticuloendothelial system activity.