A model of reversible obstructive jaundice in the rat

A model of reversible, extrahepatic biliary obstruction is described. Vessel loop blockade of the biliary tree results in obstructive jaundice while removal of the exteriorized vessel loop provides internal biliary drainage without subsequent laparotomy. This technique combined with a system for chronic venous infusion and arterial blood sampling in the unrestrained rat is ideal for long-term metabolic studies of obstructive jaundice. Male Fisher 344 rats (275-350 g) underwent either the combined procedure of total biliary tract blockade and vascular access or sham operation. Mean serum bilirubin was significantly elevated (12.7 +/- 8.9 mg/dl) in the experimental group and following relief of biliary obstruction significantly dropped below 1 mg/dl in all animals except one. Concomitant changes in alkaline phosphatase, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, and glutamate pyruvate transaminase were seen. Experimental and control rats initially lost weight following laparotomy; however, mean body weight stabilized by the 5th postoperative day and was similar in both groups on the 10th postoperative day. This combined procedure is a simple, effective and reproducible method of obstructive jaundice.