Disrupted bile flow affects interdigestive small bowel motility in rats.

BACKGROUND

The role of bile flow in the regulation of small bowel motility and the migrating myoelectric complex (MMC) is unclear. We aimed to study the effects of biliary diversion or obstruction on the MMC in a newly developed rat model.

METHODS

In rats, myoelectrodes were implanted in the jejunum, and the proximal common bile duct (CBD) was cannulated and exteriorized at the head, enabling us to manipulate biliary flow without influencing pancreatic flow and without the need of anesthesia or additional surgery. Group A were controls without CBD cannulas. Biliary circulation was exteriorized but kept intact in group B; bile was diverted externally in group C; and the CBD was obstructed in group D. MMCs were recorded in unrestrained conditions by jejunal electromyography before and after biliary diversion or obstruction. Spontaneous recanalization of the CBD was monitored by measurement of serum bilirubin and by cholangiography.

RESULTS

Exteriorization of the CBD without interruption of bile flow did not affect MMC duration (group A, 17.3 +/- 0.3 minutes [mean +/- SEM]; group B, 16.5 +/- 0.6 minutes). MMCs disappeared temporarily after CBD obstruction but not after biliary diversion. MMCs of increased duration were seen after 1 day in rats with biliary diversion or CBD obstruction (group C, 26.1 +/- 4.4 minutes; group D, 36.3 +/- 4.8 minutes [p < 0.05]). MMCs after biliary diversion or obstruction were characterized by an increased duration of phase II-like activity and decreased duration of phase I activity.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that MMCs disappear temporarily early after CBD obstruction, but MMCs of increased duration are seen after 1 day of biliary diversion or obstruction. Thus disrupted bile flow affects interdigestive small bowel motility in rats.