Effects of adrenergic stimulation on the choledochoduodenal sphincter mechanism

The object of this study was to access the effects of systemic bolus injections of epinephrine and of norepinephrine upon the sphincter at the choledochoduodenal junction in the cat and the dog. The bile duct was transected and the downstream segment was cannulated. Two methods were used to assess sphincteric activity. In method I the bile duct was perfused with Ringer's solution at a constant pressure and the flow rate of the solution was recorded. In method II the bile duct was perfused at a constant rate of flow and the terminal intraductal pressure was recorded. Intraduodenal pressure and respiratory movements were also recorded. There was a significant decrease in sphincteric activity following both epinephrine and norepinephrine administration in both cats and dogs, using both constant pressure and constant flow methods.