Local arterial vasoconstriction induced by octreotide in patients with cirrhosis.

Peripheral vasodilation initiates the hyperdynamic circulation in cirrhosis. Somatostatin and its analogues, such as octreotide, have a vasoconstrictive effect in cirrhotic patients and experimental animals with portal hypertension. The exact mechanism of octreotide-induced vasoconstriction remains unknown.

The portal pressure response to beta-blockade is greater in cirrhotic patients without varices than in those with varices.

Background & Aims: Nonselective beta-blockers are effective in reducing portal pressure in cirrhotic patients. However, this beneficial effect is highly variable and may depend on the extent of portal system collateralization. The aim of this study was to compare portal pressure response with timolol, a nonselective beta-blocker, in cirrhotic patients with and without varices.

Light and electron microscope analysis of lectin binding to adult rat liver in situ.

A comprehensive mapping of lectin receptors on adult rat liver in situ was performed at light and ultrastructural levels by using 12 biotin-labeled lectins and an avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex. In addition, concanavalin A conjugated directly to peroxidase was utilized to study intracellular membrane glycoconjugates. To achieve optimal preservation of these membrane sugar moieties, several fixatives and fixation procedures were evaluated.