Lowered Serum Lipid Levels in the Eck Fistula Dog

Portacaval Shunt and Hyperlipidemia

“…This was first observed by Winter et al 13 in normal dogs and confirmed in that species by Starzl et al, 14 Coyle et al, 15 Horak et al, 16 and Guzman et al 17 The same has been seen in rats, 18,19 pigs, 20,21 and baboons. 12 Studies in the dog 14 and investigations in the rat, 18,22 pig, 20,21 and human 23 have shown or suggested that a reduction in hepatic cholesterol or LDL synthesis or both is responsible at least in part for the falls in cholesterol levels.…”

Intestinal Absorption and Nitrogen Balance Following Portacaval Shunt

“…While the effect of portacaval shunt upon gastric,3' 12 hepatic,8" "I and pancreatic 18 function has been the subject of extensive investigation, a paucity of information exists relative to the consequence of such a procedure on intestinal absorption in man and animal. Aside from the reports by Winter and associates 17 Fat and protein test meals were administered on successive days prior to and weekly for 8 weeks after performance of an end-to-side portacaval shunt. Thyroid uptake of I131 was blocked by the oral administration of potassium iodide (5 grains) for 3 successive days preceding the test Protein absorption was evaluated by the oral administration of a gelatin capsule containing 50 j/C.…”

Episodic Stupor Associated with an Eck Fistula in the Human with Particular Reference to the Metabolism of Ammoniaxs12

“…Animals so treated can be made to survive for long periods of time in apparently good health and therefore the Eck fistula has been used extensively as a means of investigating the metabolic activities of the liver. Although dogs with an Eck fistula may remain in good clinical condition, it has been demonstrated that the liver undergoes a certain amount of atrophy; the production of plasma proteins, hemoglobin, and bile pigments is diminished; serum lipid levels are low despite adequate fat absorption; and the consumption and urinary output of water are increased (2)(3)(4)(5). Perhaps the most interesting and controversial observation derived from these experiments has been the phenomenon of "meat intoxication," a neurological disorder consisting of stupor, ataxia, convulsions, and finally coma, which occurs in Eck fistula dogs either after the ingestion of meat, or spontaneously.…”