Effects of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors on hepatic hemodynamics in the rat

Aims: Clinical data published by our group suggest that phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors lower portal pressure and increase portal venous flow in healthy and cirrhotic human liver. Animal data reported by others have been conflicting. Methods: We monitored in anesthetized rats the effects of PDE5 inhibitors on the following hemodynamic parameters up to 60 minutes after the drug: Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, portal venous pressure, portal venous flow, hepatic arterial flow, microvascular hepatic flow, cardiac output, systemic vascular, hepatic arterial, portal venous resistanc…