Role of inorganic phosphate in total biliary phosphorus determination

Summary Total phosphorus, inorganic phosphate, and phospholipids were measured in bile of rats and guinea pigs during choleresis and cholestasis produced by taurocholate and taurolithocholate, respectively. Under either experimental condition, total biliary phosphorus concentrations increased significantly in both species, due primarily to an increase in inorganic phosphate. These studies indicate that, if total phosphorus is taken as an estimate of biliary phospholipid concentration, correction for inorganic phosphate is essential under conditions associated with changes in bile secretory function.This work was supported by grant HD-17556 from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.