DISEASES OF THE LIVER

Abstract

Study I of this series was devoted to a consideration of the physiologic basis, technic and interpretation of a number of clinical tests for functional disturbances of the liver. 1 The present study of tests for hepatic function in experimental obstructive jaundice was undertaken with the view of: (1) delimiting the relative value and significance of the various tests under controlled conditions, (2) establishing an experimental background for the better interpretation of the functional deviations clinically observed in patients with obstructive jaundice, and (3) correlating, so far as possible, the physiologic changes indicated by the various tests with the pathologic changes observed at necropsy. Two groups of six dogs each were studied: those which had had simple ligation of the common duct, and those which had had cholecystectomy besides ligation of the common duct. In all cases complete studies with regard to the tests to be employed were made before the