Reevaluation of triethers as markers for triglycerides during gastric emptying.

The validity of using triethers as markers for triglycerides during gastric emptying was investigated. Rats were given a lipid mixture containing [75Se]triether plus [131I]triolein or [3H]triether plus [14C]triolein intragastrically. Similar studies were performed on humans using a homogenized test meal to which was added [75Se]triether plus corn oil. Analysis of gastric contents at various time intervals after administration of the test meal did not show evidence of separation of triglyceride and triether in the stomach. It is discussed that the disappointing results of other workers using [3H]triether may be due to an artifact associated with instability of the tritium-to-triether bond in the preparation used.