Cholesterol absorption and synthesis after autotransplantation of porcine ileum

Background. Cholesterol, long-chain fatty acids, and fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed mainly in the upper small intestine and bile acids in the terminal ileum. this study determined the consequences of ileal autotransplantation on cholesterol metabolism, plasma fatty acids, and vitamin A absorption. Methods. Plasma lipids, cholesterol precursors, plant sterols, cholestanol, fatty acids, vitamin A absorption, and animal growth were studied for 3 months after transection (n=5), jejunal (50%) resection (n=7), jejunal (50%) resection combined with orthotopic ileal autotransplantation (n=7), and enterectomy (n=7). Results. Cholesterol precursor to cholesterol proportions in plasma (reflect cholesterol synthesis) remained unchanged after transection and jejunal resection. The plasma plant sterol proportions (reflect cholesterol absorption) and retinol absorption increased after transection and less significantly after jejunal resection, whereas plasma fatty acid compositions were virtually unchanged. Transplantation of ileum and enterectomy amended up to sixfold the precursor proportions (p