Mechanism of hepatic bicarbonate secretion and bile acid independent bile secretion

To examine hepatic bicarbonate transport and bile acid independent bile secretion, bile was sampled via a T-tube inserted into the common bile duct of anaesthetized pigs. Secretin was infused intravenously at a rate of 2.7 C.U./kg body weight h-1 (large dose) or 0.45 C.U./kg body weight h-1 (small dose). Hepatic water and electrolyte secretion were studied during systemic acid-base disturbances while secretin was continuously administered. Systemic acidosis reduced the rate of NaHCO3 secretion which fell in proportion to changes in plasma pH, by 9% and 2% per 0.1 pH unit for the large and small dose of secretin, respectively. Plasma pCO2 and bicarbonate concentration had little influence on NaHCO3 secretion. Consequently, plasma pH appeared to be the main determinant of hepatic NaHCO3 secretion during acid-base changes. Secretion of 1 mol NaHCO3 was accompanied by an isotonic solution containing water and 0.25 mol NaCl. After secretin infusion, 14C-erythritol clearance increased in proportion to bile flow. Bicarbonate secretion is determined by a gradient limited H+-pump at the contraluminal cell. During secretin stimulation bile acid independent bile secretion is osmotically driven by bile NaHCO3 flux.