AN ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY ON HUMAN INTESTINAL EPITHELIAL CELLS DURING LIPID ABSORPTION OBTAINED BY ENDOSCOPIC BIOPSY UNDER DIRECT VISION

Abstract

We have attempted an electron microscopic analysis of the process of chylomicron synthesis in the epithelial cells of small intestine of 8 normal subjects during lipid absorption. This study has demonstrated a close parallel between enlargement of endoplasmic reticulum which synthesize chylomicron, and enlargement of Golgi apparatus which secrete chylomicron in normal subjects after triolein administration. These phenomena are thought to show the mechanism of normal lipid absorption in man. The serum chylomicron-triglyceride measured at the same time showed increases for 4 hours, indicating that the administered triolein was absorbed