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Semin Liver Dis 1999; 19(4): 411-426
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1007129
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1999 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Nitric Oxide and Portal Hypertension: Its Role in the Regulation of Intrahepatic and Splanchnic Vascular Resistance

Reiner Wiest, Roberto J. Groszmann
  • Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Digestive Diseases, New Haven, Connecticut, and the Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, VA CT Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
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Publication History

Publication Date:
17 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

In recent years it has become well established that nitric oxide (NO) plays a crucial role in the hemo-dynamic abnormalities that develop in chronic portal hypertension. The purpose of this review is to summarize the available data and current concepts regarding the involvement of NO in the pathophysiologic changes in the micro-circulation of the liver and the splanchnic and systemic circulation that associate portal hypertension.

KEY WORDS

nitric oxide - portal hypertension - liver cirrhosis - hyperdynamic circulation