Comparison of the effects of cholestyramine and aluminium hydroxide on the biliary bile acid excretion in rats. An experimental model for the depletion of bile acids in bile.

Bile flow and biliary excretion of dihydroxy- and trihydroxy-bile acids have been determined in control, cholestyramine (250--2000 mg/kg p.os)- and aluminium hydroxide (250--2000 mg/kg p.os)-pretreated rats. Cholestyramine proved to be a more potent bile acid depleting agent than aluminium hydroxide. The depressing effect of cholestyramine on bile flow was also more significant than that of aluminium hydroxide. Cholestyramine-pretreatment seemed to be a suitable experimental model for the depletion of bile acids in rat bile.