Vascular responses of small intestine and liver to regional infusion of vasopressin

Abstract

The vascular responses of the small intestine and liver to regional infusion of vasopressin were measured continuously and synchronously in anaesthetized cats. When infused into the superior mesenteric artery there was a marked initial blood flow reduction (peak response) followed by a sustained but moderately reduced flow (steady state). Corresponding to the peak response the portal pressure fell significantly. This reduction was only transient, however. Vasopressin infused into the hepatic artery caused if anything only a shortlasting decrease of hepatic flow. Concomitantly there was also a transient decrease of portal pressure. The findings indicate that continuous regional infusion of vasopressin causes a considerable reduction of intestinal blood flow without interfering with hepatic arterial circulation.