Altered hepatic hemodynamics and improved liver function following intrahepatic vascular infusion of prostaglandin E1

Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) has cytoprotective effects in the liver. To find how PGE1 influenced hepatic hemodynamics, oxygen metabolism, and hepatic function, we carried out an experimental and a clinical study. PGE1 was continuously administered into the hepatic artery (n = 5) or portal vein (n = 5) at a rate of 0.01 micrograms/kg per min in healthy mongrel dogs. In the clinical study, in eight patients PGE1 was administered through the hepatic artery at a rate of 0.01 micrograms/kg per min after hepatic lobectomy. In the experimental study, hepatic hemodynamics and oxygen metabolism did not change during the administration of PGE1 into the portal vein. During administration of PGE1 into the hepatic artery, hepatic arterial flow increased 1.5-fold after administration compared to the rate before administration (P < 0.01). Hepatic arterial pressure, hepatic arterial resistance, and post-sinusoidal resistance significantly decreased after administration (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, and P < 0.05, respectively). Hepatic oxygen supply increased significantly (P < 0.01). In the patients, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) levels remained low after surgery, and the recovery of protein synthesis was improved compared with that in eight hepatectomized patients without PGE1 administration (controls). The intrahepatic arterial infusion of PGE1 was considered useful for the recovery of liver function.