Role of bile in intestinal absorption of 203Pb in rats.

The author studied absorption of 203Pb after administering intraduodenally 203Pb eliminated with bile. The results obtained were compared with absorption of 203Pb administered into the duodenum as 203PbCl2 in rats forming 2 groups, one with bile ducts cannulated, the other intact. It was found that bile played an important role in absorption of Pb from the gastrointestinal tract. Absorption of Pb203 is significantly reduced if the bile is drained off by means of a canula.