The effect of estrogen on bile formation in the rat

E L Forker

The Journal of Clinical Investigation +

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April 1, 1969

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

High doses of estrone increase bile duct permeability in female rats, impairing bile flow and transport. This suggests estrogen-induced cholestasis involves both reduced active transport and increased back-diffusion.

Area Of Science

Hepatology
Endocrinology
Toxicology

Background

Estrogens are known to affect liver function.
Cholestasis, a condition of impaired bile flow, can have various causes.
Estrogen-induced cholestasis is a recognized clinical entity.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the effects of high-dose estrone on biliary physiology in female rats.
To elucidate the mechanisms underlying estrogen-induced cholestasis.

Main Methods

Female rats were administered large doses of estrone.
Biliary clearances of sucrose and mannitol were measured.
Spontaneous bile flow and choleretic responses were assessed.
Sulfobromophthalein (BSP) excretion and transport kinetics were analyzed.

Main Results

Estrone administration led to increased biliary permeability, evidenced by higher sucrose and mannitol clearances.
Bile flow and the choleretic response to dehydrocholate were significantly reduced.
Estrone impaired sulfobromophthalein (BSP) clearance and excretion, affecting both low and high plasma concentrations.

Conclusions

Estrogen-induced cholestasis in rats involves increased permeability of the biliary tree, facilitating back-diffusion from bile to blood.
Inhibition of active transport mechanisms also contributes to impaired bile excretion.
These findings support a dual mechanism of estrogen cholestasis.

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