Effects of fasting on hepatic function in ponies.

Hepatic function was measured, using sulfobromophthalein sodium (BSP) in fed and fasted ponies. In the 1st experiment, single injections of BSP were administered, and the rate of removal of BSP from plasma was determined. Fasting decreased the rate of BSP removal from plasma, as indicated by increased half-time (t 1/2). In the 2nd experiment, BSP was infused for 5 hours, and its clearance from plasma was determined. Fasting decreased BSP clearance. In the 3rd experiment, BSP was infused consecutively at 2 dose rates, and maximal excretion and hepatic storage were determined. Although fasting did not affect maximal excretion, it decreased hepatic storage. Thus, results in the 3 experiments indicated a decreased hepatic clearance of BSP during fasting.