Splenic Regulation of Portal Flow in Man

Abstract

The administration of phenylalanin² -lysin⁸ -vasopressin is demonstrated in nine patients to bring about an extensive depression of the pressure in the splenic pulp, regardless of whether or not there is any obstruction to the blood flow to or through the liver. This fall of intrasplenic pressure is shown, in splenportographies, to be accompanied by an equally extensive decrease of the flow through the splenic vein and its tributaries, a considerable prolongation of the time for passage of the injected contrast medium through the intrahepatic portal branches and a decrease of the dilution of this contrast. It is concluded that portal flow is, to a significant degree, dependent upon the splenic pulp pressure which is, in turn, dependent upon the state of the intrasplenic arteriovenous communications.