BILE CONSTITUENTS IN BLOOD AND LYMPH DURING BILIARY OBSTRUCTION II. THE ABSORPTION AND TRANSPORT OF BILE ACIDS AND BILIRUBIN

Abstract

The lymphatic and venous transport of bilirubin and total bile acid was examined in dogs after the occlusion of the common bile duct. Lymphatic concentrations of both substances attained maximum levels between the 4 th and 6 th hours, but remained during the entire time of observation (24 hours) above plasma concentrations.
The concentrations in blood plasma rose more slowly, but continuously. The amounts of both substances transported by the lymphatics rose steadly for 6 or 8 hours respectively and exceeded after 2 hours of occlusion the amounts transported by the veins. The results are explained by the changes in bilirubin and bile acid formation and secretion during biliary obstruction and on the basis of observations made
in experiments with electrolyte and colloid infusions into the biliary passages.