Maximum Biliary Excretion of Bilirubin and Sulfobromophthalein During Anesthesia-Induced Alteration of Rectal Temperature.

Abstract

The influence of temperature on the maximum biliary excretion of bilirubin and sulfobromophthalein [BSP] was studied in anesthetized rats and mice. Experimental techniques employed in maximum biliary excretion studies significantly alter normal thermoregulatory mechanisms. A decrease in body temperature significantly decreased the bilirubin transport maximum in both rats and mice. In rats the decrease was 40 mcg/kg/min/[degree]C; in mice the decrease was 10 mcg/kg/min[degree]C. A loss of body temperature in the rat also produced a significant decrease in the BSP transport maximum. This decrease was 100 mcg/kg/min[degree]C. In both rats and mice bile flow showed a diminution corresponding with the decrease in rectal temperature. The results emphasized the importance of monitoring body temperature during the course of experiments employing maximum biliary excretion as an endpoint.