The use of phosphodiesterase-III-inhibitors (PDI) as inotropic substances in the treatment of cardiac failure can be associated with hyperglycaemia. This phenomenon could be caused by hepatic events induced by PDI. The purpose of our study was to investigate the effects of the PDI enoximone on hepatic carbohydrate metabolism and bile flow. In the rat liver perfusion model, hepatic glucose and lactate production, portal flow and bile flow were determined. Administration of enoximone (1, 10, 100 microM) increased hepatic glucose output and bile acid-independent bile flow in a dose-dependent manner. The PDI enhanced the glycogenolytic effects of glucagon (from 15.7 to 38.6 mumol glucose/g/20 min), of epinephrine (from 7.1 to 38.7 mumol glucose/g/20 min), of norepinephrine (from 9.8 to 32 mumol/g/20 min) and of phenylephrine (from 25.5 to 40.8 mumol glucose/g/20 min). Furthermore, lactate production was significantly reduced by enoximone. The effect of epinephrine and phenylephrine on portal flow was blocked or diminished by enoximone administration. In summary, it was shown that the PDI enoximone is able to enhance hepatic glucose production. Bile acid-independent bile flow was increased by the inhibition of phosphodiesterase-III. The effects of enoximone and glycogenolytic hormones on glucose release were synergistic. The vasoconstrictive action of catecholamines was reduced or completely prevented by enoximone. In conclusion, enoximone has glycogenolytic, vasodilatory and choleretic properties in the liver.