Valsartan, Propranolol, And Both Jointly Lower In Rats With Cirrhosis And Portal Hypertension In Rats

The effect of valsartan , propranolol and valsartan combined with propranolol in rats with portal hypertension Objective To evaluate the effects and the related mechanisms of valsartan, propranolol and valsartan combined with propranolol in rats with portal hypertension. Method Portal hypertension(PHT) model were induced by compound factors. PHT model were randomly divided into model group, three treatment groups(valsartan group, propranolol group and two drups combined group ) after 42 days. Treatment groups were given valsartan, propranolol and valsartan combined with propranolol, healthy control group and model group given same distilled water via gastrogavage for 15 days. Each group were measured portal vein pressure(PVP), mean arterial pressure(MAP) and heart rate(HR), Their blood and livers were colleced for analysis .Radioimmunoassay(RIA) was performed to determine the serum levels of HA and PC-Ⅲ. The serum levels of ALT, TBIL, ALB and A/G were examed, the liver histopathology with HE staining and α-SMA level in liver tissue by means of immunohistochemical technique. Result Compared with model group, Valsartan, propranolol, and two drugs combination significantly decreased PVP 24.3%, 30.5% and 42.4% respectively(P<0.01). The combined group more significantly decreased PVP than valsartan and propranolol group(P<0.05), and the difference wasn't significant between valsartan and propranolol group. Valsartan and propranolol groups didn't decreas MAP, whereas combined group decreased MAP compared with model group(P<0.05). Propranolol group and combined group decreased HR, but there wasn't different between them. The levels of serum ALT, TBIL, ALB and A/G didn't significantly chang in three treatment groups. Compared with model group, the levels of serum HA, PC-Ⅲ and liver tissue α-SMA were significantly decreased in valsartan group and combination group(P<0.01or P<0.05), weren't decreased in propraolol group, but there wasn't different between valsartan group and combined group. Conclusion Propranolol is effective in the treatment of portal hypertension in rats. Valsartan is safe and highly effective in the treatment of portal hypertension in rats, and the mechanisms may be associated with valsartan inhibiting the activation of HSC. Valsartan combined with propranolol has more effect than valsartan or propranolol in the treatment of portal hypertension in rats, but it also decreases MAP and HR. So, valsartan combined propranolol needs to adjust dosage and study more.