title: Effects of a somatostatin analogue SMS 201-995 on hepatic haemodynamics in the pig and on intravariceal pressure in man.
abstract: The effects of a somatostatin analogue, SMS 201-995, on hepatic haemodynamics in the pig and on intravariceal pressure in man were studied. An infusion of 250 micrograms/h SMS 201-995 significantly reduced portal pressure, portal venous flow and hepatic artery flow in the pig. These changes in hepatic haemodynamics were accompanied by a reduction in cardiac output, a reflex slowing of the heart and an increase in arterial blood pressure. Splanchnic vascular resistance was increased following SMS 201-995 administration but hepatic vascular resistance remained unchanged. Administration of 50 micrograms SMS 201-995 reduced the intravariceal pressure from 27.4 +/- 2.5 to 15.8 +/- 2.1 mmHg in 9 patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Administration of 50 micrograms SMS 201-995 also reduced portal pressure from 29 to 22 mmHg in a patient undergoing an elective portacaval shunt. These results suggest that SMS 201-995 may be of value in the control of bleeding oesophageal varices. Furthermore, because of its prolonged duration of action SMS 201-995 may be useful in the long term management of portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Jenkins
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Baxter
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Corbett
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Shields
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000188:drug therapy; D008099:Liver / Q000098:blood supply / Q000187:drug effects*; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D015282:Octreotide; D013004:Somatostatin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013552:Swine; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D013004:Somatostatin; D015282:Octreotide