Altered Portal Pressure Secondary to Portacaval and Portasystemic Shunts in the Rat: The Effect on Liver Function and Intestinal Integrity

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Abstract
Two types of portasystemic shunts were investigated in the rat: low pressure shunts (portacaval shunt, PCS; and portacaval transposition, PCT) and high pressure shunts (portasystematic shunt by ligation of the portal vein after splenic transposition, PSSL). Liver atrophy was seen in all groups but PCT. Simplification of intestinal villi was observed in all groups and related to the degree of portal pressure alteration. Liver function and clinical status improved if some blood, either systemic or splanchnic, perfused the liver through surgical deviation (PCT) or accidental collateral formation (PSSL + C). In the prevention of the PCS syndrome selective portacaval shunting is advocated, leaving some blood to flow to the liver. A high as possible splanchnic pressure prevents intestinal villi simplification and loss of resorptional surface.