Effect of cholestyramine administration during pregnancy in the rat

The effect of administration of cholestyramine on plasma cholesterol level and hepatic cholesterol and bile acid synthesis was investigated in pregnant and nonpregnant rats. Rates of cholesterol and bile acid synthesis were reduced by pregnancy in both control and cholestyramine-treated rats. Administration of cholestyramine throughout gestation and pregnancy failed either to lower plasma cholesterol level or to increase bile acid synthesis, while cholesterol synthesis was only moderately stimulated. It is suggested that pregnancy-induced alterations in hepatic bile flow and composition in the direction of cholestasis may be responsible for the decreased efficacy of cholestyramine given to the pregnant animal.