A technique to study hepatic and intestinal drug metabolism separately in the dog.

A model to study hepatic and intestinal drug metabolism in the dog has been evaluated. The model is made by performing a portacaval transposition, cholecystectomy and inserting a Thomas cannula into the duodenum. The result is a healthy animal in which drugs can be infused either in a normal i.v. (forelimb) fashion, directly into the liver (hindlimb) or given orally. Blood can be sampled from a peripheral vein, peripheral artery or hepatic vein. Bile and urine can be collected continuously. Pharmacokinetics can be studied in awake, unmedicated animals. The model can be used to assess oral, i.v. or hepatic infusion of drugs and their hepatic, intestinal or pulmonary metabolism.