Mechanisms of Bile Formation

Abstract

The rate of biliary excretion, the bileplasma concn. ration and the biliary clearance of a variety of substances, both endogenous and exogenous were measured. Constant infusion technics were extensively employed to develop equilibrium conditions between plasma and bile. 2 mechanisms are responsible for the appearance and amt. of any constituent in the bile: 1) filtration through the hepatic laminae and 2) active secretion by the hepatic cells. Selective reabsorption is minimal. Apparently water, Na, K, Cl., glucose, inulin, cholesterol and creatinine are filtered; bromsulfalein, PAH bilirubin and the antibiotics are actively secreted.