Differences in cholecystokinin release and gallbladder contraction between emulsified and nonemulsified long-chain triglycerides.

BACKGROUND

Fat is a potent stimulus of cholecystokinin (CCK) release. Apart from lipolysis, fatty acid chain length, and saturation, emulsification may also determine the magnitude of CCK release.

METHODS

We have studied the effect of emulsification of soybean oil on CCK and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) release (radioimmunoassay [RIA]) and gallbladder motility (ultrasonography). Six healthy subjects were studied on three separate occasions in random order during (1) intraduodenal administration of emulsified long-chain triglycerides (LCT) (6 mmol/h for 120 minutes); (2) equimolar amounts of nonemulsified LCT with addition of emulsifier; and (3) saline with emulsifier (control).

RESULTS

Intraduodenal administration of both nonemulsified LCT and emulsified LCT induced significant (p < .05) increases in plasma CCK and PP levels and reductions in gallbladder volume. However, compared with nonemulsified LCT, emulsified LCT resulted in a readier and significantly stronger CCK release (212+/-62 pmol/L per 120 minutes vs 36+/-7 pmol/L per 120 minutes; p < .05); PP release (2034+/-461 pmol/L per 120 minutes vs 671+/-106 pmol/L per 120 minutes; p < .05); and gallbladder contraction (77%+/-2% vs 41%+/-7%; p < .05). No significant alterations were observed in plasma CCK or PP levels and gallbladder volume during administration of saline with emulsifier.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraduodenal administration of a low-dose emulsified LCT more potently stimulates CCK and PP release and gallbladder contraction in comparison to equimolar amounts of nonemulsified LCT. These findings point to an important role for solubilization of LCT in determining the magnitude of CCK release from the intestine.