Influence of xenobiotics on bile flow and bile composition in rats--methodological approach.

Optimal procedures for the investigation of bile flow and excretion of bile constituents are described, and data are given regarding sex and age dependency, use of narcotic drugs and replacement of water loss in Wistar rats. A combination of ketamine and xylazine can be recommended for anaesthesia. In long time studies saline infusion keeps bile and urine production constant over a period of 6 h. Bile flow and biliary excretion of bile acids and electrolytes are immature at birth and reach a maximum between the 20th and 60th day of life. The biliary excretion of cholesterol decreases with age. The concentrations of bile constituents such as lipids, glutathione, protein, uric acid, urea, osmotically active substances, and steroid hormones are given for adult rats. Bilateral nephrectomy decreases bile flow in mature rats only.