EN
The effect of Vetahepar (VH) (active ingredient: menbutone), given per os (p.o.) or i.v., on volume and biliary bile salt secretion was investigated on four sheep, which were cannulated for choledochus and duodenum. The dose of VH 20 mg/kg m.c. given p.o. was most effective in the stimulation of bile salts secretion and volume of bile. The choleretic effects of VH began 30 minutes after oral administration and peaked at 60 minutes. The augmented volume of bile occurred earlier than the increase in bile salt secretion. Such a response can suggest that the relaxation of the vascular bed in the liver under the influence of VH stimulation anticipates events evoked by bile salt stimulation. Furthermore, a considerably higher response to the same dose of VH has been observed when only 50% of the bile returned to the duodenum. Thus beneficial effects of VH are especially revealed when disturbances in liver functioning occur.