Effect of a surfactant, Tween 80, on the formation and secretion of chylomicrons in the rat

Effects of Tween 80, a nonionic surfactant, on size and number of chylomicrons (CM) secreted during lipid absorption in the rat model are reported. Fasted rats were loaded with either 154 mM NaCl or 25% (w/w) olive oil emulsion in 154 mM NaCl with 0, 0.1, 1 or 10% (w/w) Tween 80. After 3 h, either mesenteric lymph or blood was collected and their triacylglycerol-rich lipoprotein fraction (Sf>20 and Sf>400, respectively) isolated. Triacylglycerol (TAG) and apolipoprotein B48 (apoB48) concentrations in the lipoprotein fractions were assayed and their fluxes (lymph) calculated. TAG:apoB48 ratios, indicative of CM size, were determined. The data support the hypothesis that fat loading is accommodated mainly by increased average size, rather than number, of CM. Co-administration of Tween 80 with olive oil resulted in a significant increase in CM apoB48 secretion into the mesenteric lymph duct and in an increased concentration of apoB48 in the blood (Sf>400). Also, Tween 80-treated groups exhibited smaller mean CM size relative to the olive oil only group in both lymph and blood. The observed effect on CM size and number did not appear to be dose dependent at concentrations of Tween 80 above 0.1% (w/w). Incorporation of Tween 80 in the diet at 1 or 10% (w/w) concentrations reduced the TAG concentration in the stools; however, a significant increase in water content was observed at 10% (w/w) concentration. In conclusion, Tween 80 at 1 or 10% (w/w) doses can improve the efficiency of the digestive system to absorb dietary fat but at high concentrations (10%, w/w) it appeared to have a toxic or irritating effect on the gastrointestinal system. More importantly, the effect of Tween 80 on size and number of CM is a condition that favours a delay in their clearance rate.