Effects of phentolamine on hemorrheology and hemodynamics in dogs with acute liver damage

Abstract

The effects of phentolamine on hemorrheology and hemodynamics were studied in dogs with acute liver damage induced by acetaminophen. After 1 h of phentolamine application, the viscosity of plasma and whole blood was significantly diminished. The hematocrit readings followed the same pattern as the alterations in viscosity. The portal venous resistance and the value of K were remarkably decreased and the portal venous blood flow was obviously increased. It can be assumed, therefore, that the decrease in viscosity induced by phentolamine results from internal hemodilution and phentolamine may improve hepatic blood circulation through the decrease of portal venous resistance caused by the reduction of blood viscosity and the dilation of portal vascular beds.

Keywords

phentolamine / blood viscosity / hemdynamics / acute liver damage / liver circulation / hemodilution