Abstract
Intrahepatic flow in rats was examined by systemic acridine orange (AO) labeling and succeeding microscopic observations of post-fixed livers. In controls, all periportal areas were stained evenly throughout the liver mass, and the staining often branched between the liver lobules in a acinous fashion. Intraportal endothelin-1 infusion caused a marked heterogenous staining; strong staining around large portal vein branches in the central portion of the liver, but much less in the periphery. Cirrhotic livers exhibited overall weaker staining intensity with no accentuation in periportal areas and restricted radial staining within pseudo-lobules. AO infusion may help detect hepatic flow disturbance in vivo.
