Cholagogous effect of ursodeoxycholic acid in cholestatic factor-induced intrahepatic cholestasis

A lymphokine designated as cholestatic factor by us, induces a marked reduction of bile flow and bile acid excretion when it is injected into the mesenteric vein of rats. This intrahepatic cholestasis was significantly inproved by administration of ursodeoxycholic acid simulutaneously with cholestatic factor. Various bile acids such as chenodeoxycholic acid, cholic acid, deoxycholic acid or dehydrocholic acid were also shown to exert a similar but less cholagogous effect. These effects were recoginized in both normal rats and those with cholestatic factor-induced intrahepatic cholestasis. Ursodeoxycholic acid have the strongest cholagogous activity, it is suggested that ursodeoxycholic acid may be applicable for the treatment of the intrahepatic cholestasis.