Adrenaline increases liver stiffness independent of the central venous pressure

Aim: Liver stiffness (LS) is not only increased by matrix deposition (fibrosis stage) but also in response to elevated intrahepatic pressure e.g. during inflammation (edema), cholestasis or heart failure (liver congestion). This study was undertaken to validate whether direct pharmacological modulation of the systolic arterial pressure affects LS. Materials and methods: LS was measured in five male wistar rats via transient elastography (Microfibroscan, Echosens, Paris). Pressure in all liver-relevant vessels (abdominal aorta, caval and portal vein) was invasively measured in real time using Powerlab and Labchar…