Effects of Intra-abdominal Hypertension on Hepatic Energy Metabolism in a Rabbit Model

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal hypertension is known to decrease hepatic blood flow, but its effect on hepatic energy level has not described. METHODS: Fifty-three rabbits were mechanically ventilated and divided into five groups. Intra-abdominal hypertension was induced by saline infusion and maintained for 30 minutes. Hepatic sinusoidal functional blood flow was evaluated by means of indocyanine green disappearance rate (ICG-K), hepatic mitochondrial redox status was evaluated by arterial ketone body ratio, and tissue energy level was evaluated by energy charge (EC). RESULTS: At an intra-abdominal pressure of 20 mm Hg, ICG-K was significantly decreased, with no decrease in EC. At 30 mm Hg, hypoxemia developed and the ICG-K decreased further, with significant decreases observed in arterial ketone body ratio and EC. The latter were not increased by administration of oxygen. CONCLUSION: At an intra-abdominal pressure of 20 mm Hg, a slight decrease in sinusoidal flow did not affect hepatic energy level. At 30 mm Hg, a reduced hepatic mitochondrial redox status and a decreased energy level were attributed to a decrease in sinusoidal flow in this animal model.