Abstract: The research on the effects of sigle and combined application of propranolol and nifedipine on portal hemodynamics in experimental cirrhotic rats were carried out by testing the rats′ average artery pressure, portal pressure and portal bloodstream. The results demonstrated that propranolol and nifedipine, whether used singly or in combination, could both decrease the portal pressure and rate of portal bloodstream (P<0.05 or P<0.01) in the rats, but neicher had apparent effect on the average artery pressure, and furthermore, there were no apparent diferences on the effects between the two drugs. In conclusion, combined use of propranolol and nifedipine has a distinct improvement on portal hemodynamics in experimental cirrhotic rats, whose effect is approximately equal to either of the drugs used singly.

Key words: liver cirrhosis, portal hepertension, portal hemodynamics, propranolol, nifedipine