Abstract
Summary
Experiments were carried out using an in situ-perfused canine liver to test whether a hormone is responsible for the striking increase in bile acid synthesis occurring after interruption of the enterohepatic circulation by ileal resection. Large dogs with ileal resections or sham operations were used as pump dogs to perfuse the livers from small dogs with sham surgery or ileal resection. Bile acid synthesis during hours of observation was not influenced by the type of pump dog. Since most known hormones act rapidly on the isolated perfused liver, the experiments suggest that a hormonal substance is not responsible for the striking increase in bile acid synthesis observed when the enterohepatic circulation is interruped by removal of the ileum.
We acknowledge the skillful technical assistance of Susan B. Coffin and Lawrence L. Aarhus. Dr. R. G. Shorter reviewed the liver histology.
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