Effect of enhancement of cholesterol catabolism in guinea pigs after weaning on subsequent response to dietary cholesterol

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Abstract
Cholesterol catabolism was stimulated (by cholestyramine) in post-weaned guinea pigs for a 4-wk period. The animals were then switched to regular Chow diet for another 4 wk. When subsequently challenged with 0.25% cholesterol-containing Chow, plasma cholesterol level was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in cholestyramine pretreated guinea pigs when compared to control guinea pigs and this “hyporesponder” pattern was maintained throughout the study period. Cholestyramine pretreated animals continued to excrete significantly (p < 0.05) higher bile acids even at 4 wk after switching to regular Chow diet. This study demonstrates that stimulation of cholesterol catabolism even at postweaning stages can still be as effective in improving subsequent cholesterol handling capacity as noted previously after similar manipulation at the neonatal stage.