Evaluation of lincomycin as a cholesterol gallstone dissolution rate accelerator

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Cholesterol gallstone dissolution is a complex process.
• Interfacial resistance between gallstones and bile may limit dissolution rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of interfacial resistance in cholesterol gallstone dissolution.
• To determine if lincomycin hydrochloride can enhance gallstone dissolution by reducing interfacial resistance.

Main Methods:

• In vitro dissolution of cholesterol monohydrate pellets in dog bile with and without lincomycin hydrochloride.
• In vivo infusion of lincomycin hydrochloride into dog gallbladders followed by cholesterol pellet dissolution assessment.

Main Results:

• Lincomycin hydrochloride accelerated cholesterol pellet dissolution in vitro.
• No significant alteration in dissolution rate was observed in vivo despite comparable drug concentrations.

Conclusions:

• Interfacial resistance can be reduced by lincomycin hydrochloride in vitro, enhancing dissolution.
• Interfacial resistance is not the sole rate-limiting factor for in vivo gallstone dissolution; other factors like bile mixing are critical.