The Role of Bile Secretion in the Gastrointestinal Radiation Syndrome

Abstract

The role of bile secretion in the gastrointestinal radiation syndrome of the rats X-irradiated with 1500 r was studied. Ligation of the bile duct increased survival time of irradiated rats and reduced excretory loss of Na. When changes in the Na content of the gastrointestinal tract were taken into consideration, estimated body Na loss was almost as great as the measured Na secreted in bile by irradiated rats during the same period. It is concluded that after X-irradiation of the rat with 1500 r: (1) the loss of body Na due to net leakage of this electrolyte directly across the intestinal wall is of minor importance; (2) the major portion of the body Na loss is the result of an inadequate absorption of bile Na, which is secreted into the intestine at a normal rate; and (3) the loss of Na via the bile is an important factor in the cause of death.