Biliary Tract and Pancreas : Relationship among Fat , Protein , and Carbohydrate Absorptions in Canine Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

Background/Aims: Interactions among fat, protein, and carbohydrate absorption may play a role in the treatment of steatorrhea. We determined in canine exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) whether fat, protein, and carbohydrate absorptions are dependent on the pancreatic enzyme preparation (bacterial lipase, BL; porcine lipase, PL) and whether absorption of fat is related to absorptions of protein and carbohydrate. Methods: Five dogs underwent ligation of pancreatic ducts. Then, seventy two-hour fecal balance studies were performed while a high fat meal (fat 43%) was given. Powdered BL or PL was given at doses of 0, 7,500, 15,000, and 30,000 IU. Stool fat, protein, and carbohydrate were measured and coefficients of fat (CFA), protein (CPA), and carbohydrate (CCA) absorptions were calculated. Multiple regression analysis was used for statistical analysis. Results: CFA and CPA increased preparation (PL is better than BL) and dose dependently. However, CCA increased dose-dependently but not preparation-dependently. Fat absorption increased as protein and carbohydrate absorption increased (p