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Cholesterol homeostasis in the rat with a portacaval anastomosis.

Studies were undertaken to determine the effect of portacaval anastomosis on cholesterol homeostasis in rats fed sucrose/lard under conditions of normal body growth. Four to 6 weeks after portacaval shunt surgery, we found decreases in plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, total liver weight, and hepatic microsomal protein concentration. Measurements oof hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase (EC 1.1.1.34) activity showed decreases in specific activity and total liver activity in portacaval shunt rats, but the enzyme diurnal rhythm remained. Decreased reductase activity in shunted rats was not due to an altered Km for D-HMG-COA, nor was an enzyme inhibitor found in the livers of the portacaval shunt animals. Sterol balance measurements in rats with shunts showed a 22% decrease in whole body cholesterol synthesis rate compared to controls. These metabolic studies, coupled with postmortem data, showed diminished bile acid synthesis, unchanged fecal neutral steroid excretion, and decreased net tissue accumulation of cholesterol during growth. The decreased whole body cholesterol synthesis rate ultimately led to a diminished total carcass cholesterol concentration in the rats with shunts.

Animals↗

Vascular connective tissue changes in experimental portacaval anastomosis.

Hepatic vascular changes are generally associated to fibrotic lesions of the liver but their role in the development and extension of fibrosis is not well known. By performing a portacaval anastomosis in rats, a proliferation of hepatic vessels was attained progressively, comparable to proliferations seen in cirrhosis and schistosomiasis. Such a modification of the hepatic vasculature was accompanied by changes in the connective matrix of the liver, mainly related to the vascular walls. Moreover, sinusoidal capillarization was detected at the electron microscopical level whereas no alterations could be seen neither in the distribution nor in the quality of the connective matrix proteins with immunofluorescence technique. The only modification detected by light microscopy, at this zone, was the shrinked aspect of reticulin fibers which could be related to the important liver atrophy provoked by the anastomosis. It can be assumed that in liver pathology, selective changes occur in the connective matrix components depending on the type of injury. Necrotic and inflammatory processes lead mainly to the deposition of interstitial collagens and associated proteins, related to a diffuse stroma reaction resultant from activation of specific cell populations whereas in portacaval anastomosis, a selective increase of vascular connective matrix (mainly basement membrane components) occurs as a direct consequence of vessel proliferation.

Animals↗

Neoplastic surface changes in urothelium of rats after portacaval anastomosis. A combined light and scanning electron microscopic study.

The development of preneoplastic and neoplastic alterations in the urinary tract was investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy in rats after portacaval anastomosis. The changes consisted of slight hyperplasia to papillary hyperplasia after 24 weeks. Carcinomas were present in all animals after 52 weeks. Surface characteristics can be correlated with the sequence of changes in urothelial cells. Short uniform microvilli appear in moderate hyperplasia and a cobblestone formation of the cells is typical of papillary hyperplasia. In transitional cell carcinomas the cells varied in shape and size and they were densely covered with pleomorphic microvilli. Although the cause of tumour induction after portacaval anastomosis is not clearly understood, possible mechanisms are discussed.

Animals↗

Influence of portacaval anastomosis on serum and biliary unsulfated bile acid composition in patients with liver cirrhosis.

UNLABELLED: Serum and biliary unsulfated bile acids were studied using a gas chromatographic method in 8 patients before and 2 months after portacaval anastomosis. Total serum bile acids were 21.6 +/- 3.6 mumol/liter before and 68.0 +/- 8.6 mumol/liter after surgery (P less than 0.005). Cholic acid rose from 26.5 +/- 3.4% to 33.8 +/- 4.8% (P less than 0.02) of the total serum bile acids, while chenodeoxycholic acid decreased from 67.9 +/- 4.1% to 60.8 +/- 4.3% (P less than 0.05). The relative concentration of cholic and chenodeoxycholic acids in bile increased slightly but not significantly after surgery, while deoxycholate fell from 8.5 +/- 1.7% to 2.1 +/- 0.6%. CONCLUSIONS: (1) in cirrhosis the serum and biliary bile acid composition are markedly different, the cholic-chenodeoxycholic ratio being much lower in serum than in bile; (2) after portacaval anastomosis serum and biliary bile acid patterns tend to become similar; (3) percent biliary deoxycholate decreases significantly after surgery.

Adult↗

Experimental study of the evaluation of liver function on the opposite side during portacaval anastomosis and ligation of the left portal branch.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma is likely to accompany liver cirrhosis in which the portal pressure increases with portasystemic shunt. When portal tumor thrombus is present in the primary bifurcation, blood flow differs between the thrombolic lobe and the non-thrombolic lobe. In those cases, it is difficult to evaluate exactly residual liver function by conventional test. Therefore, the following studies were performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult mongrel dogs are divided into a control group (C group), group undergoing ligation of the left portal branch (PL group), group undergoing portacaval anastomosis (PCS group) and group undergoing both ligation of the left portal branch and portacaval anastomosis (PL+PCSgroup)(n=5). ICG-R15 and MEGX15 in peripheral venous blood and right hepatic venous blood were determined. Mitochondrial metabolic capacity (adenosine triphosphate level, energy charge) was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography using liver biopsied specimens. RESULTS: The MEGX ratio (right hepatic venous blood MEGX15/peripheral venous blood MEGX 15) positively correlated with energy charge in the right hepatic lobe. CONCLUSIONS: In evaluating liver function of the right hepatic lobe during portacaval shunt and the left portal branch ligation, the MEGX ratio may sensitively reflect the mitochondrial function.

Animals↗

Sex-dependent differences in the effects of portacaval anastomosis on hepatic monooxygenases in rats.

Previous work revealed that portacaval anastomosis (PCA) in rats results in hepatic atrophy and marked decreases in components of the microsomal monooxygenase system such as cytochrome P-450. In the present study, the effects of PCA on hepatic monooxygenase activity were studied in more detail. We report that PCA, in general, produces effects resembling those of castration. Thus, in male rats, PCA depressed the activity of highly sex-dependent enzymes such as ethylmorphine and aminopyrine demethylases. Similar effects were produced by castration, and the combination of PCA and castration produced the same effect as either treatment alone. In male rats, non-sex-dependent enzymes such as aniline hydroxylase and NADPH-cytochrome c reductase were unaffected by either PCA or castration. By contrast, in female rats, neither PCA nor castration significantly affected microsomal monooxygenase activities. In male rats, PCA was accompanied by a 75% reduction in serum testosterone levels and a 6-fold increase in total estrogen levels. We conclude that these effects of PCA in male rats were due, in large measure, to a demasculinizing effect.

Animals↗

Chronic hyponatremia exacerbates ammonia-induced brain edema in rats after portacaval anastomosis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Abnormalities in brain organic osmolytes are associated with hepatic encephalopathy and with chronic hyponatremia. In spite of the high frequency of hyponatremia in acute and chronic hepatic failure, its role in the development of neurological complications in liver disease is poorly understood. We aimed to study the effect of prior hyponatremia on the development of ammonia-induced brain edema in rats after portacaval anastomosis. In this model, brain swelling is mediated in part through an increase in brain glutamine, an organic osmolyte. METHODS: Hyponatremia was induced in rats with 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) administered through an osmotic minipump for 1 week. This was followed by performance of a portacaval anastomosis and ammonia infusion. At the end of the infusion, brain water (density gradient) and key brain organic osmolytes (HPLC) were measured. RESULTS: Rats with hyponatremia showed a decrease in all three brain organic osmolytes measured: glutamine, myo-inositol and taurine. Hyperammonemia resulted in the expected rise in glutamine, with a reduction of myo-inositol and taurine. In the combined group (hyponatremia plus hyperammonemia), the rise in brain glutamine induced by ammonia infusion was attenuated (10.6+/-0.9 mM/kg vs. 15.5+/-0.8 mM/kg hyperammonemia alone; p<0.05). In spite of this limited rise in brain glutamine, ammonia infusion to hyponatremic rats exacerbated brain swelling (82.3+/-0.3% vs. 80.6+/-0.1%; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hyponatremia worsens brain swelling in a model of ammonia-induced brain edema. The decrease in the concentration of brain organic osmolytes induced by hyponatremia does not protect the brain from the development of ammonia-induced brain edema.

Ammonia↗

Effect of probenecid on 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in cisternal cerebrospinal fluid of rats with portacaval anastomosis.

Portal-systemic encephalopathy (PSE) is characterized by a neuropsychiatric disorder progressing through personality changes, to stupor and coma. Previous studies have revealed alterations of serotonin and of its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in brain tissue and CSF in experimental (rat) and human PSE. Increased brain 5-HIAA concentrations could result from its decreased removal rather than to increased serotonin metabolism. In order to evaluate this possibility, CSF 5-HIAA concentrations were measured using an indwelling cisterna magna catheter technique at various times following end-to-side portacaval anastomosis in rats (the most widely used animal model of PSE) treated with probenecid, a competitive inhibitor that blocks the active transport of acid metabolites out of the brain and CSF. Following portacaval anastomosis and probenecid treatment, CSF concentrations of 5-HIAA were increased to a greater extent than in sham-operated controls. When data were expressed as per-cent baseline values, the relative increase of CSF 5-HIAA in portacaval shunted rats following probenecid treatment was not significantly different from sham-operated controls. These findings confirm that increased 5-HIAA in the CNS in experimental PSE results from increased 5HT metabolism or turnover and that the probenecidsensitive acid metabolite carrier is intact in PSE.

Animals↗

Lowering of blood pressure, plasma renin substrate, cholesterol and triglyceride by portacaval anastomosis in rats fed on a 60% sucrose/5% lard diet.

1. Portacaval anastomosis was carried out in ten rats fed on a 60% sucrose/5% lard diet, which induced moderate hypertriglyceridaemia, mild hypercholesterolaemia and normotension. 2. Plasma triglyceride was decreased to 45% of concentrations observed in ten pair-weighed control rats. 3. Plasma cholesterol concentrations were reduced to 58%, renin substrate to 70% and aortic blood pressure to 80% of control values by portacaval shunt surgery. 4. Individual blood pressures were directly related to plasma renin substrate concentrations.

Animals↗

Hepatocyte ultrastructure in the rat after long term portacaval anastomosis: a morphometric study.

Hepatocyte ultrastructure was studied in rats after long term portacaval anastomosis (PCS). Compared to controls rats of the same age, in one year PCS rats, the liver atrophy was 24% of the mass. Hepatocytes area was decreased (-16%) but their architecture was grossly normal. The rough endoplasmic reticulum appeared well developed. The morphometric study revealed that: the rough endoplasmic surface density was significantly increased in the two zones of the liver acinus, the smooth endoplasmic reticulum surface density was significantly decreased in zone 1 only and the peroxisomes volume density was increased 2.5 times. These findings differ from data obtained shortly after surgery and probably indicate an adaptation to important functions such as protein synthesis, drug metabolism etc. Increased number of peroxisomes could be possibly linked to the abnormal uric acid metabolism observed in rats with portacaval shunts.

Animals↗

Diagnosis of pancreatic islet hyperplasia causing hypoglycemia in a patient with portacaval anastomosis.

A patient with biopsy-proved biliary cirrhosis and previous gastrojejunostomy and portacaval anastomosis experienced episodes of severe hypoglycemia. She was found to have hyperinsulinemia and hyperglucagonemia. An oral glucose tolerance test showed postgastrectomy hypoglycemia. Results of the intravenous tolbutamide test were diagnostic for insulinoma, but results of the intravenous glucagon test and prolonged fast (96 hours) were not. Failure, on two occasions, to suppress C-peptide normally during insulin-induced hypoglycemia led to a diagnosis of pancreatogenous hyperinsulinemia. The pancreas showed a 10-fold increase in islet volume, with intensely positive staining with anti-insulin and anti-glucagon antiserums in addition to anti-somatostatin and anti-pancreatic polypeptide antiserums. Incidental findings at pancreatic exploration were a mesothelioma, which did not stain with anti-insulin antiserum, and, at autopsy one year later, a hepatoma.

Blood Chemical Analysis↗

Long-term effects of portacaval anastomosis on the 5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine, and catecholamine neurotransmitter systems in rat brain.

Portacaval anastomosis (PCA) in the rat is used as a model for portal systemic encephalopathy. Changes in the serotonergic, histaminergic, and catecholaminergic neurotransmitter systems are often found shortly after PCA. We have examined the long-term effects of PCA on the aminergic systems in brains of male Wistar rats, which 8 months previously had been subjected to PCA. Precursors, amines, and metabolites were assayed by HPLC. Eight months after PCA, the catecholamine levels were unchanged in all brain regions. In contrast, tryptophan was evenly increased throughout the brain. The accumulation of 5-hydroxytryptophan after decarboxylase inhibition (NSD-1015; 100 mg/kg i.p.) and the endogenous levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were significantly higher in PCA rats, particularly in the hypothalamus and midbrain, whereas 5-hydroxytryptamine concentrations were unchanged. Histamine levels were elevated throughout the brain with the greatest increase found in the hypothalamus and in the striatum. tele-Methylhistamine levels were significantly elevated in cortex and hypothalamus. We conclude that 8 months after PCA, catecholaminergic systems had reestablished their homeostasis, whereas serotonergic and histaminergic systems still show profound disturbances in their function. With histamine, this is reflected as an increase in the amounts of both transmitter and metabolite; serotonergic neurons respond by increasing only the level of the metabolite.

Animals↗

Intracellular pH rises and astrocytes swell after portacaval anastomosis in rats.

The basis for astrocytic swelling after the early period after portacaval anastomosis (PCA) is poorly defined. In other eukaryotic cells intracellular pH (pHi) and volume are determined, in part, by the same general mechanisms, yet how astrocytic pHi varies with enlargement of these cells after PCA is unknown. Therefore, direct measurements of pHi in astrocytes were made and compared with pericapillary astrocytic area as determined from electron micrographs in rats 5-8 days after PCA. Astrocytic area (n = 14 measurements for each group) was found to be significantly (P less than 0.0009) greater in PCA animals (n = 3) than in sham-operated control animals. (n = 3). Double-barrel pH-sensitive microelectrodes were used to measure pHi in neocortical cells defined by electrophysiological criteria to be astrocytic. Astrocytes (n = 25) from PCA animals (n = 5) had a resting membrane potential of 72 +/- 5 mV (mean +/- SD) and an pHi of 7.11 +/- 0.11 while comparable cells (n = 12) from sham-operated controls (n = 2) had a membrane potential of 81 +/- 6 mV and an pHi of 7.00 +/- 0.10. Astrocytes from PCA animals were significantly more depolarized (P less than 0.001) and alkaline (P less than 0.009), at a time when they were also significantly larger than those from sham-operated controls. Astrocytes are known to become more alkaline when they are activated by brief depolarizing stimuli. However, this is the first demonstration that such an interrelationship can also exist for steady-state conditions of these cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Brain histamine H3 receptors in rats with portacaval anastomosis: in vitro and in vivo studies.

The long-term effects of portacaval anastomosis (PCA) on histamine H3 receptors in rat brain were studied by in vitro and in vivo methods. The overflow of histamine from the anterior hypothalamus and from cortex after long-term PCA was determined by in vivo microdialysis. The binding properties of [3H]-R-alpha-methylhistamine in membranes from cortex, cerebellum, and rest of brain (ROB) were examined with saturation binding experiments. The regional distribution of [3H]-R-alpha-methylhistamine binding sites in the brain of sham- and PCA-operated rats was assessed also with autoradiography. The tissue levels of histamine were significantly elevated in cortex and ROB of PCA-operated rats. In addition, the spontaneous and K+-evoked overflow of histamine from anterior hypothalamus, and the thioperamide-induced overflow from both anterior hypothalamus and cortex were increased after chronic PCA. In spite of the significantly elevated tissue concentrations and the moderate increase in histamine release, the binding properties of [3HI-R-alpha-methylhistamine to cortical membranes were not significantly changed. However, the autoradiography study did reveal a decrease in [3H]-R-alpha-methylhistamine binding density, particularly in striatum and cortex, where H3 receptors are located mainly at non-histaminergic neurons. In conclusion, we suggest that there is a region-selective increase in the histaminergic activity in chronic PCA, which leads to the down-regulation of somadendritic and pre-synaptic H3 receptors located at non-histaminergic neurons. At the same time, the autoreceptor mediated control of histamine neuronal activity via pre-synaptic H3 receptors located at histaminergic neurons is preserved after long-term PCA.

Animals↗

Correlation between electroencephalogram, hepatic encephalopathy grade, and biochemical indices in beagles with portacaval anastomosis.

The EEG, grades of hepatic encephalopathy, and biochemical indices of 16 beagles with portacaval anastomosis were recorded throughout their lives and correlations between these parameters were investigated. The degree of deterioration of some biochemical indices, such as the ammonia concentration, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase activities in the plasma, and percentage loss of body weight showed a progressive increase parallel to the severity of the hepatic encephalopathy (HE) grade (grading scale O-IV), but other biochemical indices such as the concentrations of aromatic or branched-chain amino acids, the molar ratio of branched-chain to aromatic amino acids, or the total protein concentration in the plasma did not show such relationship. The SW ratio, an index of the incidence of slow-waves in the EEG, was calculated from frequency distribution histograms which were obtained by frequency analyses of EEG recordings. A slight but significant correlation was found between the SW ratio and the plasma ammonia concentration. In addition, the SW ratio consistently increased with increase in the HE grade, although the SW ratio in HE grade IV was below the normal range for beagles. These results show that only the ammonia concentration in the plasma correlates with deterioration of the HE grade and of the SW ratio, suggesting that changes in ammonia concentration in the plasma should be of diagnostic value in assessing changes in mental state and the EEG in patients with liver cirrhosis. The importance of ammonia in pathogenesis of HE is stressed.

Alanine Transaminase↗

Brain histamine levels and neocortical slow-wave activity in rats with portacaval anastomosis.

To determine whether the increased histamine levels in the brain of rats with portacaval anastomosis (PCA) are associated with the development of sleep disturbances during the light phase, the neocortical slow-wave activity of PCA-operated rats was examined with electroencephalography (EEG) 1 month and 6 months after the surgery. The tissue levels of histamine, tele-methylhistamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) (serotonin), and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) in frontal cortex were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography 6 months after the surgery. PCA surgery led to changes in the synchronized, low-frequency, high-amplitude frontal cortex EEG activity recorded during the light phase. Delta-wave amplitude but not delta time was significantly decreased, whereas both spindle amplitude and spindling time were significantly decreased. There were also significant age-related changes, presented as increases in the duration of spindles and the amplitude of both delta waves and spindles. PCA-operated rats showed a change in the pattern of EEG activity with increasing age similar to sham-operated rats. This suggests that once established, the resetting of the systems regulating the sleep-waking behavior is being maintained with time. The tissue levels of both histamine and metabolite in the frontal cortex were increased, whereas the serotonin system showed only an increase in the level of the metabolite. There was a significant negative correlation between the spindling time and the tissue histamine levels. We suggest that histamine, which participates in the control of vigilance, sleep, and wakefulness, as well as in the modulation of circadian rhythmicity, may play a role in the development of sleep disturbances in rats with PCA.

Animals↗

Effect of portacaval anastomosis and chronic underfeeding on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in the rat.

Portacaval anastomosis (PCA) in the rat may be a useful experimental model for examining endocrine changes that occur during cirrhosis of the liver. A marked reduction in diet intake and body weight occurs in rats after establishing the shunt and studies were undertaken to determine the relationship of these effects to the testicular atrophy that also follows PCA. Control, sham-operated animals, experiencing a reduction in food intake similar to that of the animals with a PCA, showed reduced plasma levels of LH and testosterone but also exhibited a marked testicular response to LH. This was consistent with increased sensitivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis to the negative feedback of gonadal steroids in chronically underfed animals. Male rats with a PCA exhibited similarly reduced levels of LH and testosterone, but showed poor secretory responses of the pituitary gland to LH releasing hormone (LH-RH) and of the testis to LH. Testicular atrophy and cessation of spermatogenesis occurred in the animals with a PCA. These results suggested that the effects of PCA on the pituitary-gonadal axis cannot simply be explained as a consequence of the restricted intake of diet. This was confirmed by the responses to castration. In both fed and underfed sham-operated rats, castration resulted in a rapid and sustained increase in plasma LH and both groups showed a marked LH secretory response to LH-RH. In contrast, in animals with a PCA castration had little effect on plasma LH and the pituitary response to LH-RH was still poor. The effects of PCA cannot be simply explained by impeded metabolism of gonadal steroids causing increased negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.

Animals↗

Portacaval anastomosis induces region-selective alterations of the endogenous opioid system in the rat brain.

Portacaval anastomosis (PCA) in the rat results in a broad spectrum of neurological and neurobehavioral changes, including alterations of circadian rhythms, impaired locomotor activity, and reflexes, as well as decreased threshold to noxious stimuli. In addition, following portacaval shunting, rats drink significantly more ethanol in a free-choice drinking paradigm. Available evidence suggests that many of these behavioral changes may be modulated by the endogenous opioid system of the brain. To evaluate this possibility, the effects of PCA on circulating beta-endorphin (beta-EP), as well as beta-EP content in the pituitary and specific brain nuclei, was evaluated using a sensitive radioimmunoassay. Furthermore, the characteristics and regional densities of mu and delta opioid receptors in the brains of PCA and sham-operated control rats were studied using an in vitro technique, as well as quantitative receptor autoradiography and the specific ligands 125I [D-Ala2, MePhe4, Met(o)ol5]enkephalin (FK 33-824) and 125I [2-D-penicillamine, 5-D-penicillamine]-enkephalin (DPDPE) for micro and delta sites, respectively. PCA resulted in region-selective modifications of beta-EP in brain, but not in pituitary or blood. Autoradiographic studies revealed a generalized decrease in mu binding sites (up to 70% decreases compared with sham-operated controls) and region-selective alterations of delta receptor densities following PCA. Portacaval-shunted rats drank significantly more ethanol in a free-choice drinking paradigm, an effect that was significantly attenuated by the administration of the opiate antagonist naloxone. Increased ethanol preference thus appeared to result from modifications of the endogenous opioid system in nucleus accumbens of rats following PCA.

Alcohol Drinking↗