Influence of taurocholate on maximal biliary excretion of bilirubin in the regenerating rat liver.

The effect of i.v. infusion of taurocholate at a dose of 200 nmol/min X 100 g body wt. on the maximal biliary excretion (Tm) of bilirubin was studied in rats at different intervals after two thirds hepatectomy. Taurocholate administration was found to increase bilirubin Tm in control animals. This stimulatory effect was absent at 12 h and 24 h following liver resection but then tended to reappear, becoming significant by 96 h. Bile flow was enhanced by the bile acid administration in control animals. Choleresis disappeared following hepatectomy and was restored only after 48 h. The results obtained in the early period after liver resection could be explained by the toxic effect exerted by the high bilirubin load.