A QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF SERUM CHYLOMICRON BY LIGHT-SCATTERING INTENSITY - APPLICATION TO THE INTESTINAL FAT-ABSORPTION TEST

A novel fat absorption test to clarify the malabsorption syndrome was developed using a micronephelometric technique and compared with the c lassic conventional technique using I-131-triolein. An integrity of ti me-sequential light scattered from chylomicron-related turbidity in se rum was determined between 0 and 300 min after butter fat load, being expressed in terms of the light scattering intensity (LSI). A good cor relation was obtained between LSI and the serum level of chylomicrontr iglyceride determined by an ultracentrifugation technique (r = 0.819, P < 0.001). The maximal LSI was consistently observed at 180 min after administration of a test meal in the normal group (n = 39), whereas t he malabsorption syndrome group (n = 35) was distinctly different and could be further classified according to four patterns of LSI changes. In addition, an inverse correlation was found between this fat absorp tion test and the I-131-triolein absorption test. It was concluded tha t the micronephelometric technique which does not use a radionuclide i s advantageous in its simple and safe evaluation of fat malabsorption syndrome.