Bile acid drainage by partial small bowel bypass or cholestyramine. Effects on serum cholesterol in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits.

The effects of bile acid drainage on serum cholesterol levels have been investigated in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits, a unique model for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Cholestyramine medication lowered serum cholesterol concentrations with 38%, while a 33% and a 50% small bowel bypass resulted in a decrease of 56 and 48%, respectively. Cholestyramine treatment after either bypass induced a minor additional fall in serum cholesterol. Ileal bypass and ileal resection were equally effective in reducing serum cholesterol. These results indicate the necessity for further investigation into the potential of bile acid drainage as a therapy in homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.