The effect of bile duct ligation, bile duct cannulation, and hypothermia on alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate-induced hyperbilirubinemia and cholestasis in rats.

The hyperbilirubinemic and cholestatic responses to alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) in the rat were altered by subjecting test animals to various environmental and surgical manipulations. Studies utilizing hypo- and hyperthermic conditions showed that a positive correlation exists between the rectal temperature and the effects of ANIT. In addition, it was observed that ANIT produced an apparent poikilothermic response, in that treated rats were unable to maintain normal rectal temperatures. Bile duct ligation inhibited the cholestatic and altered the hypothermic responses to ANIT treatment. Cannulation of the bile duct prior to ANIT administration significantly inhibited the hyperbilirubinemia and cessation of bile flow. These data demonstrate the importance of an intact enterohepatic circulation and normal body temperature in the actions of ANIT. The effect of the various parameters on the ANIT-induced hyperbilirubinemia and cholestasis suggests the involvement of a biotransformation product of ANIT.