Basic Research
Copyright ©2007 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. May 21, 2007; 13(19): 2703-2706
Published online May 21, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i19.2703
Can pigment gallstones be induced by biliary stricture and prevented by medicine in Guinea pigs?
Zhi Xu, Xiao-Feng Ling, Wan-Hua Zhang, Xiao-Si Zhou
Zhi Xu, Xiao-Feng Ling, Wan-Hua Zhang, Xiao-Si Zhou, Department of Surgery, Third Hospital of Peking University, Beijing 100083, China
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of People’s Republic of China. No. 3860332
Correspondence to: Zhi Xu, Department of Surgery, Third Hospital of Peking University, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China. xuzhi123456@sohu.com
Telephone: +86-10-62017691-7331 Fax: +86-10-62017700
Received: February 27, 2007
Revised: March 5, 2006
Accepted: March 26, 2007
Published online: May 21, 2007
Abstract

AIM: To determine the relationship between biliary stricture and pigment gallstone formation, and the prevention of pigment gallstones with medicine.

METHODS: One hundred and eighteen male guinea pigs were randomly divided into four groups: stricture group (S, n = 30) underwent partial ligation of common bile duct, and fed on regular chow; S plus medicine group (S+M, n = 27) underwent the same operation but fed on medicinal chow (0.3 g chenodeoxycholic acid, 0.5 g glucurolactone, and 0.5 g aspirin were mixed up in 1.2 kg regular chow); medicinal control group (C+M, n = 30) was free of operation, and fed on medicinal chow; and control group (C, n = 31) was free of operation and fed on regular chow. One week later, laparotomy was performed, and the bile of gallbladder was collected, measured, and cultured.

RESULTS: Gallstones were identified. Pigment gallstones were induced by biliary stricture in 95% (22/23) of S group. In the S+M group, the incidence of gallstone was reduced to 55% (11/20, vs S group, P < 0.01). The changes of indirect bilirubin and ionized calcium in the bile were consistent with gallstone incidences.

CONCLUSION: Biliary stricture can cause pigment gallstone formation in guinea pigs, and the medicines used can lower the incidence of gallstones. The bilirubin and ionized calcium play important roles in pigment gallstone formation.

Keywords: Biliary stricture; Pigment gallstone formation; Prophylaxis; Animal model