Gallbladder Function: Methods for Measuring Filling and Emptying

of99mTc.labeled hepatobiliary agents has greatly facilitated the study of gallbladder function. However, several aspects of gallbladder function and the best method for stimulating the gallbladder to contract have not been elucidated adequately. Considerable at tention has been paid to the contraction of the gall bladder, while little attention has been given to filling of the gallbladder. Furthermore, various investigators have used different doses and methods of administration of cholecystokinin and its analogs. In the present study we have attempted to study these aspects of gallbladder function, as well as the kinetics of gallbladder emptying, in patients without gallstones or evidence of hepatic disease. The goals of the present study were to determine an optimal dose and mode of administration of the octapeptide of cholecystokinin (OP-CCK) so that contraction of the gallbladder could be studied in a standardized manner. The count based method of measuring emptying of the gallbladder has been validated by Krishnamurthy et al. (J). Normal filling patterns of the gallbladder were also studied.