Bilirubin metabolism after obstructive jaundice in rats

Objective To investigate changes in serum bilirubin, especially δ bilirubin, after obstructive jaundice. Methods Two hundred and sixty Wistar rats weighing 300-350 g were employed in this study. Part of the rats were inflicted with obstructive jaundice through ligation of common bile duct (experimental group) and the left received sham operation (control group). Level of serum bilirubin was measured on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 14th and 28th day after the ligation and on the 1st and 7th day after relief of biliary obstruction. Results Serum total bilirubin was significantly elevated in the experimental group, especially in the early stage of obstructive jaundice. After relief of biliary obstruction, the level of serum bilirubin decreased, but that of δ bilirubin and the ratio of δ/T-bilirubin remained higher. Conclusions High level of serum bilirubin after depression of obstructive jaundice is not just the sign of dysfunction of liver, but to some extent, the sign of recovery of liver function.