Most drugs undergo metabolic transformation in the body. The main site of drug metabolism is the liver. The microsomal enzymes of liver cell may be stimulated by administration of a number of drugs, particularly phenobarbital which increases markedly ...
Most drugs undergo metabolic transformation in the body. The main site of drug metabolism is the liver. The microsomal enzymes of liver cell may be stimulated by administration of a number of drugs, particularly phenobarbital which increases markedly the activity of the liver enzymes. Lee et al. claimed that daily administration of phenobarbital in rats significantly increased the activities of amylase and lipase in the pancreatobiliary juice, but the concentration of cholate in the bile was significantly lower in the treated group than that in the control group. In this experiment, the effect of phenobarbital on exocrine secretion of pancreas and liver was obtained in rats having partial hepatectomy.
The results obtained are summarized as follows:
1. After partial hepatectomy in rats, final liver weight was proportionally increased in progress of
the experimental period and phenobarbital treated group was more increased than control group.
2. In the early period after partial hepatectomy, volume and bilirubin concentration in pancreatobiliary
juice were increased but cholate level was markedly decreased following phenobarbital treatment. 3. Lipase and amylase activities in the juice were slightly increased throughout the period but no
difference was detectable between two groups.
By the above results, it is felt that the effect of phenobarbital on exocrine function of liver and pancreas in rats following partial hepatectomy was not marked.