The mechanisms by which the serum cholesterol is maintained at a relatively constant level for a given individual are not understood.
Wilson and Lindsey cited 3 possible mechanisms which control the serum cholesterol concentration; negative feed back control of cholesterol synthesis in the liver; increased catabolism of cholesterol to bile salts; and a limitation of absorption of cholesterol in the intestine.
De Palma et al., reported recently that a rapid and dramatic reduction of serum cholesterol concentration occured after T-tube drainage of common bile duct, and this reduction was intimately related to loss of bile acids and cholesterol through T-tube, and interference of the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids.
To study the effect of T-tube drainage of bile on serum cholesterol concentration in Koreans with relatively lower serum cholesterol levels, measurement of concentration of bile acids and cholesterol of bile drained through T-tube, and serum cholesterol was carried out in 5 patients with T-tube drainage for 9 days postoperatively.
The results were as follows;
1. On the first postoperatively day, serum cholesterol concentration was decreased to 104 mg/100 ml from preoperatively 215 mg/100 ml in one case and thereafter it remained at low level. The total amount of cholic acid, deoxycholic acid, and cholesterol lost through the T-tube was 4. 00 gm.
2. In the rest 4 cases, preoperative serum cholesterol level was approximately 100 mg/100ml on the average, and the total amounts of bile acids and cholesterol were 0. 60 gm, 1. 90 gm, 3. 90 gm, and 11. 44 gm respectively, however there were no significant changes in serum cholesterol concentrations.
3. There were no constant relationship between drained bile volume and concentration of bile components lost through the T-tube.
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