Diabetes enhances the intrahepatic vascular response to endothelin-1 in cirrhotic rats: association with the ETA receptor and pERK up-regulation

摘要

Background & AimsCirrhosis is characterized by increased intrahepatic vascular resistance and enhanced vasocontractile responsiveness that impedes portal inflow and elevates portal pressure, in which endothelin-1 (ET-1) plays a role. Diabetes and glucose influence vasoresponsiveness but their impact on the intrahepatic vascular bed in cirrhosis is unknown. To investigate intrahepatic ET-1 vasoresponsiveness in cirrhotic rats with and without diabetes and to explore the underlying mechanisms.