A flow-cell method for measuring hepatic excretion of pigments continuously in rats

The electronic absorption of effluent bile from restrained rats with indwelling bile cannulas can be measured directly and continuously in the wavelength region 430-800 nm using commercially available micro flow-cells. The method is useful for studying and characterizing the hepatic excretion of endogenous and exogenous pigments. Biliary excretion curves are obtained directly without requiring separate analyses of individual bile samples. To demonstrate its application and scope, the technique has been used to follow the biliary excretion of sulfobromophthalein, rose bengal, biliverdin, and bilirubin.