Effect of sulphonylukea drugs on bile secretion in guinea pigs

ABSTRACT

The effect of tolbutamide and gliclazide on the flow rate, osmolality and some of the bile constituents was studied in male guinea pigs. The results showed that four weeks oral administration of either tolbutamide or gliclazide, in doses which caused significant hypoglycemia, resulted in a significant increase in bile flow rate, sodium, osmolality. Nonsignificant changes in potassium and bilirubin concentrations were observed. Gliclazide produced a significant decrease, while tolbutamide resulted in a nonsignificant change in hepatic bile cholesterol accompanied by a nonsignificant decrease of phospholipids concentration in both groups. The results suggested that both drugs [specially gliclazide] may have protective effect against the formation of cholesterol gall stones