Bile acids and cholesterol in guinea pigs with induced gallstones

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Abstract
In 2 series of experiments 86% of the guinea pigs fed diets containing 1% cholestyramine for 1 mo. developed gallstones comprised of about 50% cholesterol. The animals in both series lost weight. In 2 subsequent series a different diet was given, weight gain was normal, and even with cholestyramlne gallstones did not form. A 34-55% lower bile acid concentration, a high mean cholesterol concentration (0.20-0.28 [mu]g/ml, about 10 times higher in the 1st 2 series than In the 3rd and 4th series), and a low ratio of chenodeoxychollc acid to 7-ketolithocholic acid (CDC/ 7-KL = 0.7) were associated with gallstone formation. Addition of hay to the diet resulted In a lower cecal pH and favored the preponderance In bile and Intestinal contents of chenodeoxycholic acid over 7-ketolithocholic acid (CDC/7-KL = 3.0-4.6). There were no differences among the groups in the cholesterol content of the livers (mean, 2.37 [plus or minus] 0.56 SD mg/g fresh wt) and no inflammation of the gall bladders.