Surgical catheterization of heptic-portal and peripheral circulations and maintenance in pharmacokinetic studies

A surgical procedure for the chronic catheterization of mongrel dogs was presented with a detailed account of the use and maintenance of these catheters. The methodology allowed for a direct determination of the capacity of the liver to the intact animal to metabolize drugs. The technique permitted the investigator to study the oxidation of drugs by the liver in a specific concentration range and assessment of the first-pass effect of the liver when many drugs are administered via the oral route. The dogs were prepared and use in the drug pharmacokinetic studies for periods up to 24 days.