Effects of bile and bile salt infusions on renal function in dogs

A previous study in dogs indicated that 4 h of acute biliary obstruction was associated with an increment in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal perfusion, and urinary sodium excretion. These effects could also be transmitted to a "recipient" dog following 2 h of cross circulation. In this study we examined the possible role of bile and bile products in reproducing these effects. The i.v. infusion of 15 mL of undiluted gallbladder bile produced a marked diuresis and natriuresis, while arterial pressure and GFR declined. Bile diluted as much as 1/100 in isotonic saline could produce an effect when infused intravenously. When bile diluted to 1/250 was infused into th left renal artery at 0.5 mL/min, a diuretic and natriuretic response was obtained. GFR and renal blood flow declined with more concentrated solutions, though blood pressure remained normal. Dialysis of bile, or prior incubation with cholestyramine or plasma, failed to uncover a renal vasodilator effect. Following the first two procedures, the diuretic properties of infused bile were lost. The infusion of small amounts of synthetic bile salts (taurocholate or glycocholate) into the left renal artery caused marked increments in urinary sodium excretion without any change in renal hemodynamics. The infusion of bilirubin was without effect on renal function. Taurine and glycine, the amino acids present in the conjugated bile acids, were injected i.v. Both caused marked diuresis and natriuresis, but only glycine increased GFR and renal perfusion. The plasma levels of these substances, however, were unchanged following 4 h of acute biliary obstruction. We conclude that while bile salts probably cause the diuresis of biliary obstruction, the mechanism for the increase in GFR has not yet been identified.