[Light and electron microscopy studies on the rat gastrointestinal tract following oral administration of chenodesoxycholic acid].

The influence of chenodesoxycholic acid on the gastro-intestinal tract of male Wistar rats was studied. Chenodesoxycholic acid was orally administered in a dosis of 20mg/kg body weight over a period of 5, 14, 20, 30 and 60 days. The electron microscope revealed only slight pathological changes compared to the control group of untreated animals. While stomach, duodenum and ascending colon were found to be non-specific, supranuclear fatty deposits were detected in the jejunum; in the terminal ileum and the jejunum swollen microvilli and a loosening of the terminal reticulum was observed.