Effect of ethanol on formation of bile.

The effects of ethanol on bile formation have been studied in the rat, dog, and man, in both acute and chronic models. The acute and chronic effects differ. Given acutely, ethanol suppresses bile flow and bile acid secretion rate. Chronic administration appears to increase both components of canalicular flow and bile acid secretion rate. Intestinal and hepatic actions are probably involved in the latter effect. Secretion of other biliary lipids and diagnostic anions are also reduced by ethanol.