Long-term effect of flow-restricted arterio-portal shunt on liver function of rats

Objective To compare the long-term effect of arterio-portal shunt（APS） and flow-restricted APS on hepatic microcirculation,structure and function of rats. Methods APS and flow-restricted APS models of rats were established to observe changes in hepatic microcirculation,structure and function of rats for 6 months. Results The laser Doppler flow（LDF） was greater in APS group than in flow-restricted APS group（1.389±0.125 PU vs 1.203±0.135 PU,P＜0.05）.No significant difference was observed in serum TP,ALB,ALT and AST levels between the two groups（P＞0.05）.However,the serum ALP level was significantly higher in APS group than in flow-restricted APS group（P＜0.05）.The walls of portal vein and its branches were wider and thicker with their intimal collagen fibrosis increased.No obvious changes were found after flow-restricted APS. Conclusion It is necessary to restrict the blood flow in arteries after APS in order to prevent liver function and structure impairments caused by over blood flow.