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THE FILLING AND EMPTYING OF THE GALL BLADDER
G H Copher1, S Kodama, E A Graham
1Department of Surgery of Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes Hospital, St. Louis.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Bile intermittently enters the gallbladder for concentration. Gallbladder emptying involves liver bile flow, wall elasticity, and intra-abdominal pressure, not essential rhythmic contractions.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Biliary System Physiology
Background:
- Bile flow into the duodenum is regulated by duodenal tonus and movements.
- The gallbladder concentrates and modifies bile, releasing it via the cystic duct.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanisms of gallbladder filling and emptying.
- To investigate the role of gallbladder musculature in its function.
Main Methods:
- Observation of bile flow and gallbladder dynamics.
- Experimental substitution of the gallbladder with a rubber bag in dogs.
- Cholecystographic studies to assess function.
Main Results:
- Gallbladder emptying is facilitated by liver bile influx, wall elasticity, and intra-abdominal pressure variations.
- Rhythmic contractions of the gallbladder musculature were not demonstrably essential for filling or emptying.
- A rubber bag replacement mimicked gallbladder function but lacked concentrating ability.
Conclusions:
- Gallbladder function is primarily driven by external mechanical forces and bile flow dynamics.
- The concentrating function is a unique property of the native gallbladder tissue.
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