Original Articles
Copyright ©The Author(s) 1999. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Jun 15, 1999; 5(3): 213-216
Published online Jun 15, 1999. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v5.i3.213
Nitric oxide synthase distribution in esophageal mucosa and hemodynamic changes in rats with cirrhosis
Ying-Qiu Huang, Shu-Dong Xiao, De-Zhong Zhang, Jian-Zhong Mo
Ying-Qiu Huang, Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Benxi Iron & Steel Co., Benxi 117000, China
Shu-Dong Xiao, De-Zhong Zhang, Jian-Zhong Mo, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Diseases, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai 200001, China
Ying-Qiu Huang, male, born on 1962-03-30 in Benxi City, Liaoning Province, graduated from Shanghai Second Medical University, with a master degree in 1997, now chief of Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Benxi Ir on & Steel Co., physician and associate professor of China Medical University, member of Liaoning Digestive Branch of Chinese Medical Association (C MA), and member of Liaoning Internal Medicine Branch of CMA, majoring digestive medicine, having 30 papers published.
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Dr. Ying-Qiu Huang, Department of Gastroente rology, General Hospital of Benxi Iron & Steel Co., Benxi 117000, China
Received: February 5, 1999
Revised: April 14, 1999
Accepted: April 28, 1999
Published online: June 15, 1999
Abstract

AIM: To observe the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) distribution in the esophageal mucosa and hemodynamic changes in cirrhotic rats.

METHODS: NOS distribution in the lower esophagus of rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced cirrhosis was assessed by using NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemical method. Concentration of NO in serum were measured by fluorometric assay. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), splanchnic vascular resistance (SVR), and splanchnic blood flow (SBF) were also determined using 57Co-labled microsphere technique.

RESULTS: Intensity of NOS staining in the esophageal epithelium of cirrhotic rats was significantly stronger than that in controls. There was a NOS-positive staining area in the endothelia of esophageal submucosal vessels of cirrhotic rats, but the NOS staining was negative in normal rats. NO concentration of serum in cirrhotic rats were significantly higher in comparison with that of controls. Cirrhotic rats had significantly lower MAP, SVR and higher SBF than those of the controls.

CONCLUSION: Splanchnic hyperdynamic circulatory state was observed in rats with cirrhosis. The endogenous NO may play an important role in development of esophageal varices and in changes of hemodynamics in cirrhosis.

Keywords: esophagus; nitric oxide synthase; liver cirrhosis; hemodynamics