Serum enzyme changes with obstructive jaundice and hypotension

Abstract

Summary A study of the effects of prolonged biliary obstruction and concomitant hypotension on several serum enzymes is reported. The common bile duct was ligated after cholecystectomy in dogs and four weeks later a three hour period of hypotension was produced by bleeding. Serum GOT and GPT increased to levels consistent with hepatocellular disease at varying periods after uncomplicated biliary obstruction. The serum GPT, GOT, LDH and MD also increased with hypotension; the increases were similar in jaundiced and control animals. The variable increases in serum enzymes with biliary obstruction and general tissue damage emphasize that many factors must be considered in using these tests in the differential diagnosis of jaundice.