Serum Cholecystokinin and Bile Acid Concentrations in Response to Feeding And/Or Seeing and Smelling Food in Healthy Dogs

Abstract

Serum bile acids concentrations rise postprandially. However, some dogs show paradoxical serum bile acids results with higher pre-prandial than post-prandial concentrations. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum cholecystokinin (CCK) concentrations and determine whether they correspond to paradoxical serum bile acids concentrations. In addition, seeing and smelling food was investigated as a possible cause for paradoxical serum bile acids results. Eight healthy dogs owned by volunteers enrolled in this experimental study. Food was withheld from the dogs for 12 hours with great care not to expose them to any sight or smell of food. Blood samples were collected at 0, 30, 60, 120, 180, 240, 480 and 720 minutes after feeding. Food was then withheld again for 24 hours, and blood samples were collected at 0, 30, 60, 120, 180, 240, 480 and 720 minutes after seeing and smelling food. After feeding, serum CCK concentrations increased, but paradoxical serum CCK concentrations were observed in some of dogs, but only one of those had also paradoxical serum bile acids concentrations. After seeing and smelling food, serum CCK and serum bile acids concentrations did not significantly increase. In conclusion, paradoxical serum CCK concentrations can occur in some healthy dogs after feeding. However, no correlation with paradoxical serum bile acids concentrations was found. Seeing or smelling food are unlikely causes for paradoxical serum bile acids concentrations. Additional studies are warranted to further evaluate the relationship of serum CCK and bile acids concentrations in healthy dogs and dogs with gastrointestinal disease.

Note:
Funding Information: The study was self – funded.

Declaration of Interests: None of the authors has any financial or personal relationships that could inappropriately influence or bias the content of the paper.

Ethics Approval Statement: The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Clinical Research Review Committee at Texas A&M University (TAMU-CRRC# 2005-31). The owners of each dog enrolled in the study signed an informed owner consent form.

Keywords: liver evaluation, postpradial bile acids, CCK, canine, bile acid stimulation test, paradoxical serum bile acid concentration