Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM is a strain present in several probiotic products. Despite its wide use, there is little information on its translocation to the host's organs. This work was devised to verify the Lactobacillus spp. translocation in rats feeding cholesterol rich diet because this product has been indicated as dietary adjunct for individuals hipercholesterolemic. One hundred and thirty weaned Wistar rats, divided in 4 groups and caged individually were used. The experimental groups were: Standard; Control; LDR and P. The Standard group received the AIN-93G diet during the whole experimental period (42 days). The other groups received the AIN-93G diet added of 1% of cholesterol and 0,1% of cholic acid. During 14 days, the LDR group received the supplement of 0,1mL/day/animal of reconstituted skimmed milk at 10% of non fat solids and, the group P received 0,1mL/day/animal of a probiotic in the form of a concentrate of cells contends 10(10) UFC/mL of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM. Translocation was observed in spleen, heart, liver and kidneys of group P, but not in the others. The average translocation were UFC/órgão: spleen (8,6 x 10²); liver (4,8 x 10²); heart (4,7 x 10²) and kidney (1,3 x 10²). The translocated cell numbers, beside being low, were constantly eliminated during the evaluation period. Since the implication of microbial translocation in the host is not known, the translocation capacity and the rats of clearing are suggested to be important parameters for the selection of strains to be used as probiotics.
L. acidophilus; translocation; hipercholesterolemic
