Improved method for bile collection in unrestrained conscious rats
Heitmeyer, S.A.; Powers, J.F.
Laboratory Animal Science 42(3): 312-315
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-6764 PMID: 1320167 Document Number: 393760
We describe an improved method for continuous collection of bile from unrestrained rats. Use of an externally accessible, continuous-loop cannula when cannulating the common bile duct allows for full recovery from anesthetic effects and maintenance of a normal bile salt pool until the cannula loop is cut. Bile resulting from the cut cannula is diverted into a surgically implanted glass collection vessel and removed periodically via an externalized sampling port. Bile flow over a 24-hour collection period averaged 0.98 +/- 0.04 ml/hr (Mean +/- SEM, n = 9) with no gross pathological changes noted upon necropsy. This technique offers the capability of reestablishing conditions as close to physiologic as possible postsurgery to minimize potential artifacts during bile collection.