A Study of the Ratios of Bile Salt Conjugates of Glycine to Taurine in the Jejunum and Ileum in Patients with Tropical Sprue

Abstract

Ratios of glycine to taurine conjugates of dihydroxy and trihydroxy bile acids were estimated in intestinal juice in 6 control subjects and 8 patients with tropical sprue. Elevated ratios were found in the patients with tropical sprue as compared to the control subjects, at jejunal levels. In the patients, ratios were reduced in the ileum. Follow-up in 2 patients in remission showed a normal ratio in the jejunum in each case. These findings axe compatible with an interference of bile salt transport in patients with sprue.

Key-words:

• Bile salts
• glycine/taurine ratio
• tropical sprue

Notes

*Supported by thc Wellcome Trust in conjunction with the World Health Organization.