Objective:To evaluate the effects of disconnection and portacaval shunt on the expression of caspase-3 in rats with portal hypertensive gastropathy.Methods:42 wistar male rats were divided into 4 groups:(1)normal control group;(2)model control group;(3)disconnection group;(4)portacaval shunt group.The expression of caspase-3 mRNA was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method.Results:The free portal pressure increased significantly from (1.15?0.13)kPa to (2.68?0.16)kPa after portal vein ligation(P05),while decreased significantly to (1.57?0.23)kPa through portacaval shunt(P