Liver blood flow measurements in the portacavally transposed rat before and after partial hepatectomy

The haemodynamic changes following partial hepatectomy (PH) in the portacavally transposed rat have been studied using an 85Kr clearance technique. Liver blood flow measurements (LBF) were made before and after portacaval transposition (PCT) and PH was performed either immediately or at 3 weeks after transposition and further blood flow measurements made. No change in LBF was noted after PCT compared with preoperative values. Following PH in the portacavally transposed animals there was no marked increase in LBF. It is suggested that the liver atrophy consequent on portal diversion is due to deviation factors in portal blood and not to a decrease in absolute LBF. Regenerative hyperplasia occurs in the absence of the post-hepatectomy rise in LBF seen in normal animals.