Olive oil-provoked bile-dependent absorption of heparin from gastro-intestinal tract in rats.

Aqueous heparin sodium solution dispersed in olive oil administered esophageally to fed rats induced blood plasma clearing activity, inhibition of blood coagulation and increased plasma heparin level. Plasma clearing activity was dependent on heparin dose (125 to 1000 mg/Kg). No plasma clearing activity being observed in pylorus- or coledoch-ligated rats, while heparin absorption reappeared after ox or rat bile administration, we conclude that olive oil favours enteral absorption of heparin by increasing bile function.