Distribution of the nerves of the hepatic vein with special reference to innervation of its sphincter: whole mount immunohistological observation in Suncus murinus

Our studies on Suncus murinus, have shown that the nerve distribution of the hepatic vein is quite different from that of the hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile duct system entering and exiting the liver portal. The nerve distribution of the latter can extend to deeper layers of the intrahepatic artery, portal vein, and intrahepatic bile duct system. Innervation of the hepatic vein was mainly observed at the entrance of the hepatic vein into the IVC. These nerves may innervate the hepatic sphincter and control the outflow of hepatic veins.