Effects of massive small bowel resection on metabolism of bile acids and vitamin D3 and gastrin release in dogs.

Abstract

The effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 on pathophysiological changes following massive resection of the distal small bowel (75%) were investigated by using adult beagle dogs. After surgery, body weight decreased, watery diarrhea occurred, and the transit time of the alimentary tract shortened. These undesirable consequences lessened markedly after oral administration of UDCA, though 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 was not effective. Plasma levels of both 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 24, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 decreased after surgery, while plasma 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations remained unchanged during the observation period of six months. Although fasting plasma concentrations of total bile acid were not reduced, the integrated response to a meal decreased significantly after surgery in spite of the administration of UDCA. The concentration of UDCA in the gallbladder bile increased markedly in dogs which received UDCA. Taurine-conjugated bile acids accounted for more than 90% of the gallbladder bile. Postprandial hypergastrinemia occurred following the massive small bowel resection in the control group and in the group which received 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 alone, while it did not occur in the group given UDCA together with 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3. These results indicate that administration of UDCA after massive resection of the small intestine is effective in maintaining good nutritional state.