Effect of insulin on canalicular bile formation.

Mongrel dogs were prepared by cholecystectomy, ligation of the lesser pancreatic duct, and insertion of gastric and duodenal cannulas. The common bile duct was cannulated through the duodenal fistula. After bile flow had been stabilized by intravenous infusion of sodium taurocholate the dogs were given an intravenous injection of insulin or 0.9% NaCl (control). Insulin caused marked increases in bile flow, chloride output, and biliary clearance of erythritol and small increases in bicarbonate output and bile salt output. The increased erythritol clearance indicates that canalicular secretion contributes to insulin choleresis in dogs.