ObjectiveTo investigate the change of renal endothelin (ET) excretion and its relation to renal dysfunctions in obstructive jaundice.MethodsSixty male Wistar rats were randomized into two groups, the common bile ducts were ligated to establish the model of obstructive jaundice in experimental group, and only sham operation was done in control group. Ten rats were taken from each group at 5, 10 and 15 days respectively after operation, renal functions were evaluated by paminohippuric acid clearance (CPAH), inulin clearance (CIN) and fractional sodium excretion (FENa+); furthermore, plasma endotoxin (EX) level was determined, and ET1 contents in renal arterial plasma, renal venous plasma and renal tissue were detected. ResultsOnly FENa+ was significantly increased at the 5th day in experimental group; since the 10th day, all the three renal functional parameters gradually decreased, and FENa+ was significantly lower than that in control group at 15th day (P＜0.01 vs control). ②The plasma EX sustained at significantly higher levels after operation in experimental group (P＜0.01 vs control). ③The renal arterial plasma ET1 was significantly decreased, while the contents in renal venous plasma and renal tissue were significantly increased after operation in experimental group (P＜0.01 vs control). ④There were positive correlation between plasma EX and renal ET1 content, negative correlation between renal ET1 content and CPAH/CIN, and positive correlation between renal ET1 content and FENa+ (P＜0.01).ConclusionThe increased excretion of renal ET stimulated by endotoxemia may play an important role in the renal dysfunctions in obstructive jaundice.