Changes in small intestinal digestive enzyme activity and bile acids with dietary cellulose in rats

Rats were fed semipurified diets which contained either 20% cellulose, Solka Floc, (HF) or no fiber (C) for 10 days. In the intestinal contents, the HF group had lower activity per milligram contents of trypsin, chymotrypsin, amylase, lipase and total proteolytic activity. Total activity of enzymes in the intestinal contents was also lower, except for chymotrypsin and leucine amino peptidase. Bile acid levels per milligram were lower in the HF group but the total amount was greater. The total weight of intestinal contents was greater in the HF group and total amount of protein present was elevated. The results indicate that a source of dietary fiber, cellulose, can affect the availability of enzymes and bile acids in the small intestine.