Effect of intragastric bile on canine lower oesophageal sphincter pressure

The effect of intragastric bile on lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) pressure was studied in 7 dogs. Five ml of fresh canine bile was instilled into the stomach, and its effect on LES pressure and intragastric pH was observed for one hour. In a control study 5 ml of physiological saline was used instead of bile. Bile instillation led to a statistically significant increase in LES pressure, which reached its maximum in 20 min. LES pressure returned to the resting level in 60 min. Saline instillation produced no signficant change in LES pressure. The rise in intragastric pH was slight and equal in both groups. The results suggest that bile contamination of gastric juice, at least one of short duration, does not have any immediate harmful effect on LES competence in the dog.