Importance of carbonic anhydrase for canalicular and ductular choleresis in the pig

To assess the importance of carbonic anhydrase (CA) for canalicular and ductular choleresis, the effect of acetazolamide on bile secretion was measured in three experimental groups of anaesthetized pigs. CA activity in liver homogenate was 46 (43-54) U g-1 wet weight, 150 mg kg-1 b.w. acetazolamide completely abolished the CA activity. Acetazolamide reduced bile HCO3- secretion in six secretin infused, bile-acid depleted pigs by 67 (58-71)% at arterial pH 7.41 (7.38-7.46). By contrast, acetazolamide did not affect HCO3- secretion in six Na-taurocholate (TCA) infused pigs in the absence of secretin stimulation. Acetazolamide reduced ursodeoxycholic-acid- (UDCA) dependent HCO3- secretion by 24 (11-38)% in six other pigs in the absence of secretin stimulation. Histochemical examination using modifications of Hansson's method showed strong reaction in bile ductules and weaker reaction in peripheral zones of liver lobules. Because acetazolamide impairs HCO3- secretion from cells sustaining high rates of H+/HCO3- transport, it is suggested that high rates of H+/HCO3- transport are confined to bile ductules under conditions of secretin- and UDCA-induced choleresis.