Pressure profile in liver sinusoids. A model of localization of sinusoidal resistance in the normal and cirrhotic liver

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  • Jens Henrik Sahl Henriksen
  • N A Lassen
A model of pressure profile along the sinusoids in the liver is presented. The major prerequisite is a converging sinusoidal flow pattern through a network of tubes with almost equal diameter. In this case the main hemodynamic resistance is located downstream at the outlet. Different geometric configurations (sphere, cylinder, and sections of these) are considered, and it is concluded that the precise shape of the microcirculatory unit is not crucial. The applicability in cirrhosis is considered in relation to a decreased diameter and number of the sinusoids in this condition. Estimated pressure profiles along the sinusoids indicate a steep downstream pressure fall in cirrhosis, implying that the spatial average of sinusoidal pressure is close to that of the inlet, i.e. portal pressure. Another prediction is an increased blood flow rate (flow rate per vessel) in the region near the outlet of the sinusoids.
Original languageEnglish
JournalLiver
Volume8
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)88-94
Number of pages6
ISSN0106-9543
Publication statusPublished - 1988

Bibliographical note

Keywords: Blood Pressure; Humans; Hypertension, Portal; Liver Circulation; Liver Cirrhosis; Microcirculation; Models, Biological; Vascular Resistance

ID: 18698170