The pathogenesis of idiopathic portal hypertension (so-called Banti's disease)--an experimental study.

Abstract

The pathogenesis of idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) was explored in animal experiments. In order to produce experimentally a condition of portal hypertension, portal vein embolization by lycopodiums and structural liver damage by intraportal injection of toxic chemicals were produced in rabbits. Obliteration of intrahepatic portal vein branches alone did not produce sustained portal hypertension due to the development of adequate intrahepatic collateral vessels. Liver damage induced by chemicals was morphologically similar to that seen in IPH and was associated with an increase of portal venous pressure for several months; however, portal venous pressure gradually declined and significant splenomegaly could not be produced. Besides hepatic vascular resistance due to obliteration of intrahepatic portal vein branches and structural liver damage, the possibility of the existence of additional factor (s) is suggested to explain portal hypertension and marked splenomegaly in IPH.