Bromosulfophthalein disposition in chronically bile duct obstructed rats

The disposition of bromosulfophthalein was studied in chronically bile duct obstructed rats. In this model a catheter was inserted into the common bile duct and the distal tip was sealed. Resumption of bile flow was achieved with great ease. Obstruction of bile duct for 18 days in rats resulted in elevated bilirubin, ALT, AST, and alkaline phosphatase levels. Portal hypertension developed within this period (11.6 ± 0.5 in obstructed rats vs. 8.6 ± 0.6 mm Hg in sham-operated group). After the bile duct obstruction was opened, the half-life time for elimination of bromosulfophthalein (42.30 ± 6.47 min) was longer than in sham-operated rats (21.23 ± 3.34 min). Plasma clearance was reduced by 70% in bile duct obstructed rats. In spite of increased bile flow rate, biliary excretion of the dye was reduced by 40% in chronically bile duct obstructed rats. Hepatic glutathione levels were significantly reduced by 20% in this model. The specific activity of glutathione 5-transferase with chlorodinitrobenzene and styrene oxide, as substrates, was reduced by 50% and 30%, respectively. However, the percent of conjugated bromosulfophthalein in bile was similar to that of sham-operated rats.