Technique for assessment of local effects of substances found in bile upon opening pressure of choledochoduodenal junction.

An assessment of the localized influences of various chemicals found in bile was made by applying them to the interior of the canine choledochoduodenal junction. Test agents were isolated by air bubbles and introduced into the terminal lumen of the intramural portion of the common bile duct via the pressure measurement catheter; they remained in the duct for approximately 1.5 min. The system was flushed and opening pressures were then measured. Responses were measured in terms of alterations in ductal opening pressures generated by a linear pressure ramp. Histamine, serotonin, and bethanechol markedly increased ductal opening pressures, whereas epinephrine and norepinephrine decreased opening pressures. None of the agents affected either cardiovascular or small intestinal motor activity in the vicinity of the sphincter when administered in the manner. The results suggest that the presence in bile of certain neurohumoral transmitters and neurohumoral-like agents may directly affect the canine choledochoduodenal sphincter function.