Effect of non-ionic detergents on the absorption of fat and alpha-tocopherol in the rat

Malabsorption of rat and alpha-tocopherol was induced in rats by feeding cholestyramine and the effect of Tween 80 and Pluronic F 68 was assessed. Tween 80 did not influence the malabsorption of fat or alpha-tocopherol. Pluronic F68 did not change alpha-tocopherol absorption but did significantly improve fat absorption. The proportion of radioactivity remaining in the liver 5 days after a labelled dose of alpha-tocopherol was increased when Tween 80 or Pluronic F68 was present, perhaps indicating increased absorption via the portal vein. Serum cholesterol levels were not affected by the different diets. The greatly increased excretion of faecal bile salt on dietary cholestyramine was unchanged by the detergents.