Abstract
We have shown that L-alanine (ALA) inhibits taurocholate (TC) uptake in perfused rat liver (Gastro 86:1283). To determine whether this effect mediates changes in bile flow, we studied the influence of ALA on bile flow, TC secretion rate and clearance (CLR) of markers of canalicular bile flow (Erythritol) and membrane permeability (Inulin). After an initial 30′ bile collection, livers of male Sprague-Dawley rats were perfused with recirculating KRB buffer (control), or KRB + 5 mM ALA. TC was infused in varying concentrations. Bile was collected and perfusate sampled. Control and experimental groups were similar in body weight, pre-perfusion bile flow rate, oxygen consumption, perfusion pressure, and flow rate.
RESULTS: Data from the lowest TC infusion rate are shown.
Higher TC infusion rates (0.5-1.0 uM/m) yielded results consistent with the data shown. Over a range of TC infusion cone. (5-400 uM), maximum TC secretion rate was not changed by 5 mM Ala (1.073 ± .078 vs 1.065 ± .061 uM/min/100 gm).
CONCLUSIONS: 1) ALA decreases bile flow rate at all TC infusion concentrations. 2) TC secretion rate is not decreased by ALA. 3) The clearance of Inulin but not of Erythritol is altered by the presence of ALA. 4) These results suggest that ALA inhibition of bile flow is mediated by net changes in canalicular membrane water flux.
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Treem, W., Piccoli, D. & Watkins, J. 743 ALANINE INHIBITION OF BILE FLOW: STUDIES OF MECHANISMS IN PERFUSED RAT LIVER. Pediatr Res 19, 234 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00773
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00773