A new choleretic effect of folinic acid

Hepatogastroenterology. 1998 Sep-Oct;45(23):1442-5.

Abstract

Background/aims: In the chemotherapy of recurrent gastric cancer with 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid, an interesting phenomenon, the reduction of jaundice and improvement of liver function, was observed. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of this phenomenon, and to confirm a choleretic effect of folinic acid.

Methodology: The bile duct of anesthetized rats was catheterized, and bile was collected. Bile volume and total bile acid production following intraperitoneal administration of folinic acid were determined and compared to those of control rats.

Results: Both bile volume and total bile acid production increased following intraabdominal administration of folinic acid.

Conclusions: Folinic acid has a newly described pharmacologic effect of stimulating bile acid-dependent choleresis. It is possible that folinic acid may become a new drug for the treatment of jaundice or for the improvement of overall liver function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bile / drug effects
  • Bile / metabolism*
  • Bile Acids and Salts / analysis
  • Bile Acids and Salts / metabolism
  • Cholagogues and Choleretics / pharmacology*
  • Leucovorin / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Bile Acids and Salts
  • Cholagogues and Choleretics
  • Leucovorin