Turnover of plasma cholesterol in patients with cholesterol gallstones

Following the i.v. injection of about 30 muCi of 1-alpha-2-alpha-3H-cholesterol, the specific activity decay of plasma cholesterol has been analysed in terms of a 2-pool model in eight patients with radiolucent gallstones and two healthy controls. In each subject some kinetic parameters were calculated, including the input into and the size of the rapidly exchangeable cholesterol pool. The results were compared with those in 16 controls from another study. Statistical analysis failed to demonstrate significant differences in any of the parameters between the gallstone patients and the combined controls, indicating that patients with cholesterol gallstones have normal input into and size of the rapidly exchangeable cholesterol mass. The conclusion is discussed in relation to similar studies, and it is speculated that gallstone patients may have decreased absorption of exogenous cholesterol.