Abstract
When a lymphokine, the cholestatic factor, was intravenously injected into rats through
a mesenteric vein, a remarkable reduction in bile flow was observed. Using this experimentally
induced intra-hepatic cholestasis model, we studied the choleretic effects of α-iridodiol,
an iridoid compound. When α-iridodiol was administered 30 min before, at the same
time, or 30 min after injection of the cholestatic factor, the reductions in bile
flow and bile acid excretion were significantly inhibited. Remarkable choleretic effects
were also noted when it was administered to normal rats. These results suggested that
α-iridodiol may be effective in the treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis.
Key words
α-Iridodiol - cholestatic factor - intrahepatic cholestasis
