I. BILE PIGMENT AND HEMOGLOBIN INTERRELATION IN NORMAL DOGS

Abstract

The renal type of bile fistula permits bile pigment observation during long periods with the dog in perfect condition. In the authors'' hands this type of fistula [4 experiments] gives bile pigment secretion figures which must approximate physiological normalcy. The bile pigment output per 24 hrs. falls slightly below the figures recorded in the literature (av. 4-6 mgm. per kgm.). The individual dog has its own total bile pigment output level which under uniform conditions shows a remarkably constant average value from month to month. This total output is not changed following gain or loss of weight but obviously the mgm. per kgm. must change. Dog Hb solutions given intravenously under carefully controlled conditions show an increase in bile pigment elimination corresponding to 90-95% of the expected increase if there were a quantitative transformation of Hb to bile pigment. Theoretically 1 gm. Hb is equivalent to 40 mgm. bilirubin. The closed sterile bile fistula [3 experiments] is carried as control to the renal-bile fistula. This closed fistula shows a bile pigment increase due to Hb injection which is less than the renal fistula and averages 75-80% of the theoretical return.