In order to study the mechanism of cholesterol gallstone formation through rabbit model which was induced by high cholesterol diet, we investigated the LDL receptor activity of hepatocytes binding to 125I-LDL in different phases, namely 1, 2, 3 week group and 4 week, and in a control group besides. In this animal experiment, cholesterol gallstones were induced at 2 week, 3 week and 4 week groups in 4/10, 6/10, and 7/10 cases respectively. The Bmax values of LDL receptor of hepatocytes binding to 125I-LDL decreased significantly in 3 week and 4 week groups (vs 1 week and control groups, P < 0.05). The kd values became increased in 3 week and 4 week groups (vs 1 week and control group, P < 0.05), which suggested that the activity of LDL receptor decreased gradually. In conclusions owing to the intake of high cholesterol diet with the passage of time, the decreased activity of LDL receptor of hepatocytes would reduce the synthesis of bile acid.