Bile flow and electrolyte composition of bile associated with maximum bilirubin excretion in sheep

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Changes in the composition of bile accompanying the maximum biliary excretion (Emax) of bilirubin were investigated in sheep. Sheep fitted with chronic 'T-tubes' in the common bile duct were infused with taurocholate and bilirubin at various rates. Bile collected during both pre- and post-bilirubin steady-state periods was analyzed for the biliary concentration of electrolytes, bile salts, and bilirubin. Bilirubin Emax was 24.6 μmol/min while bile salt excretion during this period was 103 μmol/min. At Emax bilirubin entry into bile reached a concentration of 16.1 μmol/mL, increased the biliary concentration of sodium, did not change osmolarity of bile, and did not increase bile flow. The data suggest that bilirubin either interacts with mixed micelles in bile or forms molecular aggregates.