[An experimental study of PGE1 infusion into the liver circulation]

The present study was performed to determine the effects of PGE1 on the liver circulations. Adult mongrel dogs were used for this experimental study. Following the continuous infusion of PGE1 to the hepatic artery (HA) and portal vein (PV), the change of hepatic arterial flow (HAF) and portal venous flow (PVF) was measured by the electromagnetic flow meter, and hepatic tissue flow (HTF) by the hydrogen clearance meter. Hepatic enzymes were also measured at the same time. A single infusion of saline was done for the control. HAF and HTF increased significantly by the continuous infusion of over 0.5ng/Kg/min of PGE1 to HA. PVF and HTF also showed an increase by the continuous infusion of 100ng/Kg/min of PGE1 to PV. Compared with the control group, lactate acid and pyruvate acid levels remained low in the PGE1 infused group. The optimum dose of PGE1 to HA was thought to be 1.0-2.0ng/Kg/min. The results of experimental studies suggest that the direct infusion of PGE1 to the liver may prevent the ischemic change of hepatic metabolism during and after the surgical interventions.