| Abstract: | Abstract The vasodilative action of prostaglandin E, (PGE,) on the systemic and pulmonary circulation was investigated in swine models of orthotopic liver transplantation. In the PG -treated group (n= S), PGE, (0.05 μg/kg per minute) was intravenously infused from the onset of the anhepatic stage to 30 min after revascularization. During the anhepatic stage, PGE, decreased systemic vascular resistance without a corresponding hypotension, so cardiac output was maintained at a higher level. In the control group (n= 8), pulmonary vascular resistance increased to 3 times the anhepatic value during reperfusion, accompanied by a decline in cardiac output with a 28 % decrease in blood pressure. In the PG -treated group, on the other hand, pulmonary vascular resistance was maintained within the normal range without any associated decrease in cardiac output. The blood pressure decreased slightly by 12 %. In conclusion, in this model, PG increased cardiac output without hypotension during the anhepatic stage and also prevented postreper-fusion pulmonary hypertension and the subsequent systemic hypotension. |
