Endothelin-1 selectively contracts portal vein through both ETA and ETB receptors in isolated rabbit liver

The ability of endothelin (ET)-1 to constrict the hepatic vascular resistance distribution and ETA and ETB receptors in isolated rabbit livers perfused via the portal vein was investigated. Twenty-nine rabbits were used as experimental models to determine the effects of ET-1 on liver hemodynamics, weight and bile flow as well as the effects of ET receptor antagonists on hepatic vasoconstriction response caused by ET-1. Results showed that ETA and ETB receptors indeed mediated ET-1-induced hepatic constriction in rabbit livers.