In order to study effect of endothelin (ET-1) on hepatic blood flow in rats and effect of nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin (PGI2) on ET-1 biological function, 20 rats were randomized into control, ET-1, ET-1 plus nitric-Larginine, ET-1 plus prostacyclin and indomethen groups. The result showed that ET-1 decreased hepatic blood flow and lasted for longer time. NO and PGI2 may antagonize the biological action of ET-1 during endotoxemia. Therefore, the endothelium-derived vascular factors may regulate hepatic blood flow.
