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Gallbladder contractility and gallstone formation in the Richardson Ground Squirrel
1Department of surgery, Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital, Yokohama, Japan.
Gastroenterologia Japonica
|February 1, 1990
Summary
Gallbladder stasis in gallstone patients is not fully understood. This study found that gallbladder muscle contractility remains unchanged in Richardson Ground Squirrels during cholesterol gallstone development.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Animal Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cholesterol gallstone pathogenesis is multifactorial.
- The mechanisms causing gallbladder stasis in gallstone patients require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate time-dependent changes in gallbladder motility in Richardson Ground Squirrels.
- To examine the effects of dietary cholesterol on gallbladder contractility and bile composition.
Main Methods:
- Examined contractile responses of 100 gallbladders to cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-OP) and acetylcholine (Ach) in vitro.
- Investigated biochemical changes in serum and bile.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in gallbladder motility were observed between control and cholesterol-fed animals when treated with CCK-OP or Ach.
- Gallbladder muscle contractility was unaffected by dietary cholesterol induction of gallstones.
Conclusions:
- Gallbladder muscle contractility does not change during the dietary induction of cholesterol gallstones in the Richardson Ground Squirrel.
- This suggests that altered contractility is not a primary factor in gallstone formation in this model.
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