Lysolecithin-mediated inflammatory reaction in rabbit gallbladder. Permeability increase and enzyme liberation.

Aseptic inflammation in the gallbladder wall was studied in vitro using rabbit gallbladders. Wall permeability changes, measured as changes in the transmural passage of radioactively labelled hippuran and biligraphin as well as enzyme (acid phosphatase) release from wall to lumen were registered as parameters permitting quantitative assessment of an inflammatory process. Lysolecithin, a surface-active substance of possible significance in the pathogenesis of acute cholecystitis was chosen as inflammation-inducing agent. When 6-20 mg/ml lysolecithin was instilled into the gallbladders, dose-dependent increases in permeability and enzyme release occurred. No effects as compared with controls were seen when 2 mg/ml was instilled. Lysolecithin-treated gallbladders showed morphological signs of inflammation as opposed to untreated. The data reported are consistent with earlier observations that lysolecithin may cause inflammatory lesions to the gallbladder wall. The experimental model used may prove useful in examining the effects of aggressive and protective agents upon the gallbladder mucous membrane.