Changes in nutritional status associated with obstructive jaundice and biliary drainage in rats

Effect of bile duct ligation (BDL) and internal biliary drainage on food intake and nutritional status was studied in rats and compared with sham and pair-fed animals. During week 1, food intake of BDL animals was reduced (p < 0.05), resulting in weight loss (p < 0.05). In weeks 2 and 3, food intake, nitrogen balance, and weight gain were similar in all groups. Internal biliary drainage or sham operation after 3 wk produced transient changes in food intake and N₂ balance. Serum albumin fell in all groups, returned to normal in sham (3.2 ± 0.1 g/dl) and pair-fed (3.1 ± 0.1 g/dl), but persisted in BDL rats (2.4 ± 0.2 g/dl, p < 0.001). Jaundice was associated with anemia. Although BDL produces transient changes in food intake, weight gain, and N₂ balance, anorexia and malnutrition are not features of this animal model. Nutritional risk factors associated with hyperbilirubinemia are probably due to changes in intermediary metabolism.