Changes of hepatic blood flow and intrahepatic microvascular bed in rats with chronic biliary obstruction]

The effective hepatic blood flow (EHBF) and intrahepatic microvascular bed (IMB) of rats were studied with hydrogen clearance and India ink perfusion 1, 2, 3 weeks after common bile duct ligation (CBDL). The EHBF decreased significantly in all 3 CBDL groups, compared to control (P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference among CBDL groups (P > 0.05). In a given group no significant difference was noted between the blood flow of the left lateral lobe and that of the middle lobe. The IMB was destroyed severely in all CBDL groups. It was concluded that when chronic biliary obstruction developed the EHBF decreased significantly because of shrinkage of IMB resulting from extensive fibrosis of the liver, and necrosis of liver cells.