BLOOD-FLOW DISTRIBUTION WITHIN THE SPLEEN DISTENDED BY PERFUSION AT HIGH VENOUS-PRESSURE

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 96  (4) , 606-615
Abstract
Red cell washout from the isolated, Ringer-perfused cat spleen, dilated by perfusion at elevated venous pressure (25 cm H2O) was compared with that from the relaxed spleen perfused under normal venous pressure (6-8 cm H2O). Cell concentrations in the outflow were measured by a celloscope counter and plotted on semi-logarithmic paper as a function of the volume of Ringer solution perfused [V1/2]. Washout kinetics from relaxed spleens yielded 3 exponential components; V1/2 were 3.1, 121 and 585 ml, respectively. In the case of dilated spleens 2 components were found. For spleens dilated, before washout, with blood in vivo the V1/2 values were 50 and 415 ml; for normal spleens dilated in vitro, before washout, by Ringer perfusion at high venous pressure the V1/2 values were 60 and 439 ml. A greatly altered intrasplenic blood flow distribution in the presence of a high splenic venous pressure was indicated; the customary fast component of flow is absent, and the blood appears to be directed entirely through the pulp. This is presumably the situation in congestive splenomegaly arising from portal hypertension.