Splanchnic blood flow changes in the presence of hepatic tumour: evidence of a humoral mediator
1994

Blood Flow Changes in Liver Tumors

Sample size: 12 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): R. Carter, J.H. Anderson, T.G. Cooke, J.N. Baxter, W.J. Angerson

Primary Institution: University Department of Surgery, Glasgow Royal Infirmary

Hypothesis

The changes in splanchnic haemodynamics are the result of a circulating vasoactive agent.

Conclusion

Intrahepatic tumors may be associated with a circulating vasoactive agent that increases vascular resistance.

Supporting Evidence

  • The vascular resistance was significantly greater during perfusion by tumour-bearing animals.
  • Mean flow through the segments was less during perfusion by tumour-bearing animals.
  • The study suggests that the increase in splanchnic vascular resistance may be mediated by a circulating agent.

Takeaway

When rats with liver tumors were tested, their blood flow resistance was higher than that of normal rats, suggesting something in their blood affects how blood flows.

Methodology

Rat small bowel segments were cross-perfused with arterial blood from paired tumor-bearing and control rats to measure vascular resistance.

Limitations

The study was limited to a small sample size and only included male hooded Lister rats.

Participant Demographics

Male hooded Lister rats, weighing 200-250 g.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.036

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

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