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[Pulmonary vascular changes after portasystemic shunt operation in rats]
1First Department of Surgery, Hiroshima University School of Medicine, Japan.
Nihon Geka Gakkai Zasshi
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Portasystemic shunts can lead to pulmonary hypertension in rats, indicated by increased right ventricular systolic pressure and lung vascular changes. Endotoxins passing through the shunt may contribute to this condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Gastroenterology
Context:
- Pulmonary hypertension is more prevalent in patients with portal hypertension, particularly after shunt surgery.
- Portasystemic shunts are used to manage portal hypertension but may have adverse effects.
Purpose:
- To investigate the role of portasystemic shunts in the development of pulmonary hypertension.
- To identify hemodynamic and pathological changes in the lungs following shunt operations.
Summary:
- 97 rats underwent portasystemic shunt operations; 82 rats monitored for up to 24 months showed significantly elevated right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and right ventricular wall thickness after 3 months.
- Pathological lung findings included pulmonary arteriole thickening, medial hypertrophy, intimal proliferation, and plexiform lesions.
- Elevated endotoxin levels in central venous blood correlated with RVSP and shunt ratio. Pulmonary venous blood showed increased thromboxane B2 and decreased 6-keto PGF1a.
Impact:
- This study suggests portasystemic shunts contribute to pulmonary hypertension development.
- Endotoxins translocating through shunts are implicated as a potential causative factor in pulmonary hypertension.