Hepatic microsomal mixed function oxidase system response to selective biliary obstruction

Abstract

Three days after selective biliary obstruction in rats, bile output from the single unobstructed lobe was equivalent to the usual output from three hepatic lobes. There was a significant decrease in the level of the hepatic microsomal mixed function oxidase system components, cytochrome P-450 and NADPH-cytochrome c reductase. The levels observed after three days were reduced to an equivalent extent in both selectively obstructed and unobstructed lobes, and corresponded to the level seen after total biliary obstruction. Hepatic bromosulphothlein T m was significantly reduced three days after selective obstruction, but did not differ from normal after six days. These data indicate that a factor generated in response to biliary obstruction acts to lower hepatic mixed function oxidase system components and increase bile flow in functioning hepatic tissue.