Biliary Response to Food in Rabbits: Role of the Gall Bladder and the Enterohepatic Circulation of Bile Salts

Abstract

The biliary response to feeding has been investigated in intact and cholecystectomized rabbits, with and without interruption of the enterohepatic circulation of bile salts. The relative contribution of the different secretory mechanisms involved in this process has been examined. Feeding induced an increase in the flow and bicarbonate concentration of the bile and a slight decrease in the bile salt content in rabbits with gall bladders and the enterohepatic circulation intact. Feeding with the enterohepatic circulation interrupted elicited a drop in bile flow and the bile salt concentration, but an increase in bicarbonate concentration. Interruption of the enterohepatic circulation thus dramatically modifies the feeding response: a response to food is still detectable after interruption, but is masked by the negative effects of drainage of the bile away from the duodenum.