Effect of distal enterectomy on cholesterol and bile salt levels in the rat.

The effect of 50% or 80% distal enteroctomy on cholesterol and bile salt levels in male Wistar rats have been investigated. Short time measurements showed that serum cholesterol levels were maximal after 20 days from 50% intestinal resection and after 10 days from 80% intestinal resection. This increase was maintained in 50% resected rats 1 and 5 months after operation, whilts in 80% resected group the values became normal. Portal blood and bile cholesterol levels remain almost normal except 5 months after 50% intestinal resection. Bile salt concentration and bile salt output in the bile decrease after 1 and 5 months from 50% intestinal resection and after 1 month from 80% intestinal resection. These results together with data of fecal loss of bile salts indicate that in 50% resected rats new steady states have been reached, with low levels of bile salts in the bile. One month after 80% resection the fecal loss of bile salts was so high that the conversion of cholesterol into bile salts was increased. After 5 months from 80% resection values in serum and bile were almost normal suggesting either an increase in extrahepatic cholesterol synthesis or a partial prevention of fecal loss that can be explained by the observed caecal enlargement.