Fish oil feeding is associated with an increased accumulation of dietary lipids in enterocytes: Results from an in vivo study in rats

Background: Chronic fish oil consumption is associated with reduced postprandial lipaemia, but the mechanism behind this effect is not fully understood. We studied whether lipid absorption might be altered in rats fed fish oil. Methods: Male Wistar rats were fed fish oil enriched chow ( n r = r 6) or control oil enriched chow ( n r = r 6). After 4 weeks, 61 r mg 3 H-triolein was instilled into duodenal tied-off loops. Intestinal segments were removed after 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 r min. Enterocytes were then isolated by calcium chelation and quantified by DNA determination. Non-absorbed 3 H-lipid and 3 H-lipid contents of enterocytes were determined by liquid scintillation counting. Two other groups of rats (2 r × r 6) fed the experimental diets were given an oral fat load and fasting and postprandial blood samples were taken. Results: The accumulation of 3 H-lipids in enterocytes was higher in rats fed fish oil than in controls (area under the 3 H-lipid time curve: 1041.3 ve...