Impairment of bile secretion induced by aflatoxin B1 in the rat.

The influence of Aflatoxin B1 on bile secretion was examined in rats. The toxin was given i.p. at a dose of 100 micrograms/kg body wt. It was observed 48 h after the injection a decrease in bile acid-independent and bile acid-dependent flow. Bile acid secretion was also decreased, whereas the outputs of cholesterol and phospholipids and the cholesterol saturation index of bile were unchanged. (14C) erythritol and (14C) sucrose biliary clearances decreased in parallel to bile flow, suggesting that the decrease in bile flow was of canalicular origin and that there was not alteration in the permeability of the biliary system.