V. Absorption of Bacteria from the Gallbladder.

Abstract

In the preceding reports we have observed a cyclic circulation of bacteria in the splanchnic area of the body. The gallbladder was involved in this cycle so we next studied the absorption of bacteria from the gallbladder into the splanchnic circulation.

It has long been known that resorption of neutral fats, lipoids, bile pigment and other substances through the epithelium and lymphatics of the gallbladder mucosa can be demonstrated histologically (Royster 1 ). In long continued closure of the cystic duct the cholesterol constituent is reduced from resorption by the bladder wall (Rosenthal and Licht 2 ). Blad 3 and Bundschuk 4 described cases of bile peritonitis where, according to their investigations, there was no perforation of the gallbladder. Lange and Roos 5 performed experiments in which, after injection of bacilli into the gallbladder, the same bacteria was demonstrated in the ear vein of a rabbit as soon as one or 2 minutes after injection.

Our experiments were as follows: The abdomen of 6 dogs, fasted for 24 hours, had been opened under ether anesthesia. A cut in the common bile duct was made large enough to insert a No. 6 silk catheter. The latter was introduced through this opening, through the cystic duct into the lumen of the gallbladder. Then the cystic duct was ligated close to the common bile duct, in order not to injure the cystic artery and vein and at the same time keep the catheter in place. (See the schematic drawing.)