INTERFACIAL PRECIPITATION OF CHOLESTEROL IN HUMAN AND "ARTIFICIAL" BILES

Abstract

Bile was withdrawn from human gall bladders at different levels and analyzed for cholesterol and bile salts. Results showed there was a chemical stratification corresponding to that in specific gravity already demonstrated. Samples of bile were layered with distilled water in plastic cells. Precipitation of cholesterol soon occurred at the interface. Chemical studies showed this was due to a difference in rate of diffusion of cholesterol and bile salts across the interface, leading to a local fall of the critical ratio. Eventually the formation of a pseudo "stone" was observed. The role of interfacial precipitation due to differential diffusion in cholelithiasis is discussed.