[Animal experiments on the distribution and excretion of an intravenously injected biliary contrast medium...

The distribution and excretion of an intravenously injected, radioactive biliary contrast medium (Ioglycomate) were studied in the mini-pig after the induction of choledochal, thoracic duct and gall bladder fistulae. The investigations were carried out with free lymph and bile flow during artificial cholestasis and after occluding both ureters. Following intravenous injection of 0.24 to 1.0 ml. Bilivistan, there was a cholersis up to six times original value. Ther thoracic duct lymph showed only a small volume rise. The lymphatic circulation played no significant quantitative role in contrast distribution of Ioglycomate in the animal, nor did it influence the blood clearance curves. During normal bile flow, only 1.3% of the injected dose appeared in the thoracic duct within three hours, and during acute biliary obstruction, only 2.6%. The investigations have indicated a biliary transport maximum Ioglycomate in the mini-pig of 2.9 mg./min./kg. body weight. If the excretory capacity of the liver is exceeded and during cholestasis there is compensatory excretion of the biliary contrast medium through the kidneys.