[O2-uptake of the cirrhotic liver. An experimental study (author's transl)]

In 15 Beagles with cirrhosis of the liver (TAA induced) and in 22 healthy controls the flow in the hepatic artery (Q a.h.) and in the portal vein (Q v.p.) was measured by kineangiodensitometry. The oxygen content in the hepatic artery, portal and hepatic vein was determined after withdrawal by inserted catheters. Thereafter the O2-uptake (V O2) via portal vein (V pO2) and hepatic artery (V aO2) was calculated. The control animals showed Q a.h. of 175 +/- 25 ml/min and Q v.p. of 511 +/- ml/min. In the cirrhotic animals Q a.h. rose up to 205 +/- 31 ml/min, there was a decrease of Q v.p. to 260 +/- 49 ml/min. V O2 of the liver of the controls was 5,6 +/- 1 ml/100 g/min. V aO2 ws 2,0 +/- 0,4 ml/100 g/min (35%), V pO2 was 3,6 +/- 0,7 ml/100 g/min (65%). In the cirrhotic animals V O2 decreased to 4,7 +/- 0,9 ml/100 g/min, V aO2 rose up to 3,0 +/- 0,6 ml/100 g/min (64%), V pO2 was reduced to 1,7 +/- 0,6 ml/100 g/min (36%). There was a statistically significant difference of all values measured (p less than or equal to 0,01). In cirrhosis of the liver the hepatic artery carries the main oxygen supply.