Lack of effect of indomethacin on systemic and splanchnic haemodynamics in portal hypertensive rats

1. Portal hypertension was produced experimentally in rats by partial constriction of the portal vein.

2. Twelve rats were injected daily with indomethacin, 4 mg/kg body weight, and 12 with the vehicle (80% ethanol, 0.5 ml/day).

3. There were no differences in portal-systemic shunts nor systemic or splanchnic haemodynamics between indomethacin-treated and untreated rats.

4. These results suggest that cyclo-oxygenase products do not play a significative role in haemodynamic alterations shown by portal-ligated rats.