The Effect of X-irradiation upon Fat Absorption in the Mouse

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Abstract
Fat absorption in mice was determined using methyl oleate containing 10% of the spectrophotometrically active methyl octadecadienoate as a tracer. The rate of absorption of this mixture was shown to be nearly constant. Mice which had received 600 to 700 r whole body x-irradiation showed a tendency toward increased tone and motility of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in retention of oil in the stomach or rapid passage past the absorbing surface. Despite these changes, fat absorption per se appeared to be about normal. A post-irradiation increase in fecal fat was shown not to be due to lowered absorption, since it occurred in animals on a fat-free diet. It is concluded that there is no evidence of post-irradiation impairment of fat absorption.