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Abstract
Objective. Substance P (SP) is a vasodilator that may contribute to systemic and splanchnic vasodilatation in cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of SP (dose –13 pg/kg) and its specific inhibitor, RP67580 (dose – 300 µg/kg) on mean arterial pressure (MAP) and portal pressure (PP) in cirrhotic rats and controls. Material and methods. MAP and PP were measured before and after administering SP and RP67580. Additionally, a small group of cirrhotic rats were pretreated with L-NAME to block the effects of nitric oxide (NO) before measurements. Results. SP produced transient systemic hypotension in both groups. SP caused a significant increase in PP in cirrhotic rats and a decrease in PP in controls. RP67580 reduced the hypotensive effect of SP, but not completely. RP67580 decreased PP in the cirrhotic group but not in controls. In cirrhotic rats pretreated with L-NAME, SP administration caused a significant decrease in MAP but no significant change in PP. Conclusions. Exogenous SP increases PP and decreases MAP in cirrhotic rats. RP687580 decreases PP and reduces SP-induced hypotension in cirrhotic rats. NO blockade abolishes the effect of SP on PP. SP contributes to splanchnic vasodilatation in cirrhosis and this effect may be mediated by NO.