Choleretic response to hydrocortisone in the rabbit.

The influence of i.v. infusion of hydrocortisone sodium succinate on basal biliary secretion and maximal hepatic excretion of bilirubin was investigated in pentobarbitone anesthetized rabbits. Hydrocortisone caused an increase in bile flow and electrolyte secretion in basal conditions. When it was infused after a maximal load of bilirubin, its choleretic effect disappeared and the maximal excretion of bilirubin was not modified. Our data suggest that the effect of hydrocortisone on bile flow and composition takes place at canalicular level and is not directly related to the secretion of bile salts.