Control of traumatic liver hemorrhage in the cirrhotic rat by intraportal infusion of norepinephrine.

The effect of intraportal infusion of norepinephrine (NE) on primary hemostasis in the cirrhotic rat was investigated at standardized liver trauma. Cirrhosis was induced by simultaneous administration of increasing amounts of carbontetrachloride (CCl4) and phenobarbitone. Infusion of norepinephrine took place after cannulation of the gastroduodenal vein. Intraportal infusion of NE resulted in a significant increase in arterial blood pressure and portal pressure in all animals. No difference was observed between cirrhotic and control rats. Cirrhotic animals bled longer and more profusely as compared with the controls. Infusion of NE resulted in significant decrease in bleeding time and blood loss. NE did not affect hematocrit, hemoglobin, platelet, or white cell count. Platelet aggregation was not influenced by the compound. In conclusion, intraportal infusion of NE proved effective in decreasing hemorrhage at liver trauma in cirrhotic rats.