Superior effects of Losartan to propranolol on opening angle of portal vein of carbon tetrachloride-induced portal hypertension rats△

Abstract

Portal hypertension (PHT) is a hemodynamic syndrome due to pathological increase in portal flow and portal pressure. These pathological changes in external flow loads will inevitably cause vascular remodeling in the portal vein, which is usually measured by opening angle. The present study showed that the opening angle of portal vein increased intrahepatic PHT. Although portal pressure and portal flow were reduced, treatment with propranolol alone for three weeks did not decrease the augmented opening angle of the portal vein, while losartan at 5 mg/kg per day markedly reduced the increased opening angle of the portal vein. These results indicate that the superior effects of losartan on portal vein remodeling to propranolol in PHT.