Phosphatase Studies. VIII. Increase of Serum Phosphatase After Bile Duct Ligation in Dog

Abstract

Roberts has shown increased plasma phosphatase in obstructive jaundice.,2 We have demonstrated an increase of serum phosphatase in a series of cases of catarrhal jaundice, and a return to normal values after their clinical improvement. We interpreted these data as supporting the assumption of a hepatogenic source of serum phosphatase. It seemed desirable to study the subject experimentally—by bile duct ligation in one group of experiments. The operation was performed under amytal anesthesia upon a young adult female dog weighing 11.6 kilos. The dog made a good recovery. Observations covered a period of over 7 weeks. About 4 weeks after the operation, the dog having had repeated attacks of vomiting, it was decided to discontinue food for a few days and then to resume feeding with certain precautions. Advantage was taken of this period of fasting in order to compare the results with earlier observations on the effects of fasting on normal dogs. At the time of the last analysis the inorganic phosphorus determination indicated impairment of kidney function. This indication was supported by the findings of 51.7 mg. of urea N per 100 cc. of blood and of 2.1 mg. of creatinine. At the same time the uric acid content of the blood was 4.8 mg. per 100 cc.; in dogs with normal liver function the uric acid content of blood is too low to be determined. The dog was killed by administration of ether. Immediate necropsy revealed multiple areas of liver necrosis.