Effect of truncal vagotomy on gallbladder bile kinetics in conscious dogs

Abstract

Previous studies on the effects of vagotomy on gallbladder (GB) motility have yielded conflicting results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of vagotomy on GB motility and bile kinetics using a new method. Twelve dogs were divided into two groups of six (control and pyloroplasty) and, 4 weeks later, underwent truncal vagotomy. A catheter secured in the GB fundus was used to monitor GB volume. After injecting polyethylene glycol (PEG) into the GB, combined measurements of GB volume and PEG concentration enabled GB emptying and bile kinetics to be estimated. Seven and five of the 12 vagotomized dogs were classified as having large and normal fasting GB volumes, respectively. Postprandial GB emptying was impaired when the fasting GB volume was enlarged. In the fasting state, bile kinetics of vagotomized dogs were significantly smaller than the control values. The emptying ability of the GB of vagotomized dogs with large fasting GB volumes was reduced considerably both in the postprandial and the fasting states. Such retention of bile in the GB after vagotomy may facilitate cholesterol crystal nucleation and stone growth.

The Enteric Nervous System II: Gastrointestinal Functions

“…and receive both sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation (Jaggar et al 1998). However, the vagus nerve provides the major input (Muramatsu et al 1999). The cholinergic efferent vagal projections terminate in the gall bladder ganglia, where they activate cells through cholinergic muscarinic and nicotinic receptors.…”

Simultaneous/Incidental Cholecystectomy During Gastric/Esophageal Resection: Systematic Analysis of Risks and Benefits

“…Since then, a number of pathophysiological studies have been performed to determine the mechanisms behind this possible effect, suggesting that resection of the anterior hepatic branch of the vagal nerve interrupts the innervation of the gallbladder [6]. Vagotomy has been shown to reduce gallbladder emptying in some but not all studies, and gallbladder emptying also is related to cholecystokinin release, which is increased after vagotomy [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. Although the exact pathophysiological mechanisms are not clear, upper gastrointestinal (GI) surgery may potentially impact gallstone formation by altered gallbladder filling and emptying and/or response to and secretion of cholecystokinin [16][17][18].…”

Bi-directional regulation of acupuncture on extrahepatic biliary system: An approach in guinea pigs

“…The vagus nerve is also involved in coordinating the SO and the gallbladder during digestion 29 . The emptying ability of the gallbladder is compromised and the risk of cholelithiasis rises when the vagus nerve is cut 30 . The dorsal raphe nucleus is involved in the regulation of gallbladder through the vagus nerve and the sympathetic nerve 31 .…”