Apparent volume of the biliary tree in the dog

The apparent volume of the biliary tree (ABV) in the dog was determined by measuring the mean biliary transit time of injected [14C]taurocholate ([14C]TC). After bolus injection of [14C]TC, entry of bile salt into the lumen of the biliary tree is signaled by an increase in bile flow. The volume of bile collected at the common duct from onset of choleresis until maximal concentration of 14C radioactivity is reached in bile minus the calculated quantity of bile that contains radioactivity and the cannula volume yields a value for the volume of the biliary tree present just prior to injection of [14C]TC. The mean value for ABV in 19 dogs was 2.49 +/- 0.65 microL/g liver (mean +/- SD).