[Alterations in liver function produced by erythromycin estolate in isolated and perfused rat liver].

Erythromycin estolate (EE) added to perfusing medium of isolated rat liver caused a dose-dependent decrease of both perfusate and bile flows. Biliary bile acid analysis showed that EE decreased both bile acid excretion rate and concentration. This suggests that EE interferes with the formation of bile acid dependent fraction of bile. EE is known to cause, in some individuals a reversible cholestatic hepatic injury. Our data if applicable to clinical setting indicate that an intrinsic toxicity of EE may contribute to the development of hepatic damage.