[Effects of carbachol and atropine on bile secretion in sheep].

Experiments were performed on rams prepared surgically to make possible the control of bile flow and the maintenance of enterohepatic circulation of bile components. Carbachol and atropine were infused into the jugular vein for 2 hours in the amounts: 0.3 and 0.7 microgram/kg b.w./min. respectively. Carbachol administration did not affect significantly the bile production. Atropine led to the significant decrease in the bile flow (p less than 0.01) by diminished concentration of bile acids in the bile. On the basis of the obtained results the role of n. vagus in the regulation of biliary secretion is discussed. It is suggested, that in physiological conditions the biliary secretion is, to some extent, maintained as a result of the muscarinic receptor stimulation. This stimulation attains the maximum level and it is not possible to evoke rise in bile production after either n. vagus stimulation or administration of parasympathomimetic agents.