Bile flow mechanism and function of choledochoduodenal junction

Abstract

The present study was made to investigate in detail the mechanism of the bile flow into the duodenum in rabbit. The bile flow through the choledochoduodenal junction was measured with a constant-rate infusion apparatus or with a constant pressure perfusion apparatus. Pressures in gall-bladder, common bile duct and duodenum were recorded with pressure transducer. The electrical activities were recorded with bipolar electrodes which were implanted in the choledochoduodenal junction (muscle of Oddi) and the anterior wall of duodenum. The results obtained are as follows: 1. The activity of choledochoduodenal junction appears to be affected by the change in duodenal wall muscle tone. 2. The important factors controlling the bile flow are the rhtyhmic movements of both the choledochoduodenal junction and the duodenal wall. 3. The common bile duct plays a role to regulate the pressure of biliary truct. 4. Electrical and mechanical stimulations to gall-bladder were ineffective to cause the relaxing reflex of the muscle of Oddi. 5. The function of gall-bladder is to accumulate the bile and control the pressure of common bile duct. From these results, it seems unlikely that the choledochoduodenal junction (muscle of Oddi) would be independent of duodenum in rabbit. © 1974, Japan Society of Smooth Muscle Research. All rights reserved.