Effects of cholecystectomy upon bile salt kinetics in the guinea pig

The effects of cholecystectomy upon bile salt kinetics were studied in normal guinea pigs. After cholecystectomy, bile salt pool size decreased, fractional daily turnover rate increased, and the rate of bile salt synthesis was unchanged. These data indicate that an increased frequency of bile salt enterohepatic cycling is sufficient to produce alterations in bile salt kinetics. Abnormalities of bile salt synthesis need not be present in order for a reduction in pool size to occur.