Tezosentan normalizes hepatomesenteric perfusion in a porcine model of cardiac tamponade

Background: To investigate endothelin-1 (ET-1)-dependent hepatic and mesenteric vasoconstriction, and oxygen and lactate fluxes in an acute, fixed low cardiac output (CO) state. Methods: Sixteen anesthetized, mechanically ventilated pigs were studied. Cardiac tamponade was established to reduce portal venous blood flow (Q_PV) to 2/3 of the baseline value. CO, hepatic artery blood flow (Q_HA), Q_PV, hepatic laser-Doppler flow (LDF), hepatic venous and portal pressure, and hepatic and mesenteric oxygen and lactate fluxes were measured. Hepatic arterial (R_HA), portal (R _HP) and mesenteric (R_mes) vascular resistances were calculated. The combined ET_A-ET_B receptor antagonist tezosentan (RO 61-0612) or normal saline vehicle was infused in the low CO state. Measurements were made at baseline, after 30, 60, 90 min of tamponade, and 30, 60, 90 min following the infusion of tesozentan at 1 mg/kg/h. Results: Tamponade decreased CO, Q_PV, Q_HA, LDF, hepatic and mesenteric oxygen delivery, while hepatic and mesenteric oxygen extraction and lactate release increased. R_HA, R_HP and R_mes all increased. Ninety minutes after tesozentan, Q_PV, LDF and hepatic and mesenteric oxygen delivery and extraction increased approaching baseline values, but no effect was seen on CO or Q_HA. Hepatic and mesenteric handling of lactate converted to extraction. R_HA, R_HP and R_mes returned to baseline values. No changes were observed in these variables among control animals not receiving tesozentan. Conclusion: In a porcine model of acute splanchnic hypoperfusion, unselective ET-1 blockade restored hepatomesenteric perfusion and reversed lactate metabolism. These observations might be relevant when considering liver protection in low CO states.