EFFECTS OF DOPAMINE ON THE LIVER BEFORE AND FOLLOWING ADMINISTRATION OF ENDOTOXIN

These studies were conducted to determine the effects of dopamine on the canine liver before and following endotoxin administration. Isolated, denervated livers were perfused via arterial and venous inflow vessels at constant rates by donor dogs. Weights were continuously recorded throughout the experiments. There were marked reductions in liver weight with dopamine infusion prior to endotoxin administration and continued reductions at slower rates following endotoxin. The mechanism of liver shrinkage is postulated to be primarily due to sinusoidal contractions independent of changes in liver venous resistances. Dopamine markedly increased hepatic artery pressures, thus hepatic artery resistances increased since the flows were constant. In the donor animal, dopamine elevated systemic arteryal pressure, pulse pressure, and heart rates.