COMPOSITION OF ASCITIC FLUID IN LIVER-CIRRHOSIS - BILE-ACID AND LIPID-CONTENT

The concentrations of lipids, bile acids and proteins were evaluated i n the ascitic fluid and plasma of 23 cirrhotics. Ascitic fluid density was highly correlated with its protein content, represented mostly by low molecular weight proteins. The ratio of plasma to ascitic fluid c oncentrations of nine examined proteins increased with molecular weigh t, indicating a selective ultrafiltration of the peritoneal transudate . Low density lipoproteins in ascitic fluid had modified electrophoret ic mobility. Total cholesterol had a higher plasma to ascitic fluid ra tio than high density lipoprotein cholesterol, whereas bile acids and proteins had similar plasma to ascitic fluid ratios. Indeed, bile acid s strongly bind to circulating albumin: consequently ascitic fluid con tains more cholic acid (less hydrophobic) than other bile acids. Analy sis of both plasma and ascitic fluid composition in cirrhotics provide s useful information on processes regulating passage of blood componen ts into the peritoneal cavity.