Figure 1.

Diagram of experimental models. Rats in both models were eviscerated. In model 1, the hepatic artery was divided and the liver was then perfused only by aortic blood via the portal vein (A). In model 2, the liver was perfused only by the hepatic artery (B). Latex microspheres were injected intraportally and the resultant changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP), central venous pressure (CVP) and portal venous pressure (PVP) were monitored by the cannulae in the carotid artery, jugular vein and portal vein, respectively. Aortic blood flow (ABF) was measured by an electric magnetic flow probe placed around the abdominal aorta.