The choleretic mechanisms of sodium taurocholate, secretin, and glucagon.

Mongrel dogs were prepared by cholecystectomy, ligation of the lesser pancreatic duct, and insertion of modified Thomas cannulas into the duodenum and stomach. After recovery from surgery, experiments were performed by cannulation of the common bile duct for bile collection through the duodenal cannula. Bile flow and composition and the biliary clearance of erythritol were observed during secretin, glucagon, or sodium taurocholate choleresis and were compared with control studies. All test substances caused increased bile secretion. Sodium taurocholate caused a marked increase in bile salt output and in the biliary clearance of erythritol. Secretin caused a large increase in bile flow, no increase in bile salt output, and a very small increase in the biliary clearance of erythritol. The results indicate marked differences in the choleretic mechanism of sodium taurocholate and secretin and suggest that the principal action of taurocholate was on the canaliculi and the principal action of secretin was on the ducts.