BACKGROUND & AIMS: Rho-kinase activation mediates cell contraction and increases
intrahepatic resistance and consequently portal pressure in liver cirrhosis. Systemic Rho-
kinase inhibition decreases portal pressure in cirrhosis, but also arterial pressure. Thus, liver-
specific Rho-kinase inhibition is needed. The delivery of Rho-kinase inhibitor to activated
hepatic stellate cells reduces fibrosis. It might also relax these contractile cells and therewith
decrease intrahepatic resistance. We tested this hypothesis by performing acute …