Role of glucose reabsorption from bile on hyperglycaemia-induced cholestasis in the rabbit

The effect of glucose administration on bile secretion of glucose and bile flow and composition was studied in the rabbit. After intravenous glucose infusion at 83 mumol/kg/min a mean bile concentration of 12.7 +/- 1.8 mg/dl was reached. Intraportal administration of phlorizin enhanced bile glucose concentration to 169.6 +/- 18.1 mg/dl, suggesting the presence of a system for transferring glucose from bile to liver in the biliary tree of the rabbit. A significant correlation between bile flow and plasma glucose levels could be demonstrated. A cholestatic effect appeared in glucose-infused rabbits with a decrease in bile flow by about 40% during the second hour of infusion. Both bile acid and inorganic electrolyte output were significantly lowered. Cholestasis was maintained after phlorizin administration. Possible explanations for this effect are discussed.