The effect of atropine on canine bile flow and biliary excretion of ioglycamate.

The effect of atropine on the bile flow and biliary excretion of ioglycamate, a biliary contrast medium, was studied on four anesthetized mongrel dogs equipped with a Thomas cannula through which the common bile duct was cannulated. With an infusion rate of 2 microgram/kg/min atropine sulphate decreased bile flow significantly. At the same time, the biliary concentration of ioglycamate was significantly increased. The biliary output of ioglycamate did not change during atropine infusion. The present study suggests that in this experimental model atropine decreases the bile flow but does not affect the excretion of ioglycamate.