DIRECT MEASUREMENT OF CHOLESTEROL ABSORPTION VIA THE THORACIC DUCT IN MAN *

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Abstract
Cholesterol-14, 15-H3 and sodium acetate-2-C14 were orally administered to one subject while cholesterol-4-C14 was given to 3 other subjects. These individuals had cannulas in the thoracic duct so that lymphatic absorption of cholesterol could be directly studied. The amount of labeled cholesterol absorbed into the lymph varied from 4 to 27% of the administered dose. The major portion of this absorbed cholesterol appeared in the lymph in esterified form. A minor role in cholesterol absorption by the collateral lymphatics was evidenced by the low level of radioactivity in plasma cholesterol. Although sodium acetate is not absorbed in the human by way of the lymph system, the amount incorporated into circulating cholesterol was approximately that found in intact subjects. The absorption and esterification of cholesterol as well as the possible role of cholesterol metabolism in the intestine and lymph have been discussed with reference to pathologic hyperlipemia.

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