Taurocholate Metabolism in Patients with Cholesterol Gallstones

Abstract

Arnesjö, B. & Ståhl, E. 1973. Taurocholate Metabolism in Patients with Cholesterol Gallstones. Scand. J. Gastroent. 8, 369-375.

Tracer doses of doubly labelled taurocholate, ^:!5S-tauro-7-³H-cholate, were given orally to 10 patients with cholesterol gallstones but functioning gallbladders, and duodenal aspirates from the subsequent 7 days were examined. Results were compared to those obtained in healthy individuals. Taurocholate pool size was 0.3 ± 0.2 (S.D.) grams, which was significantly smaller than that of the healthy group. Half life of the taurocholate pool was 1.1 ± 0.5 (S.D.) days, which was significantly lower than in the controls. Daily production of taurocholate was no different. 7-a-dehydroxylation was about twice as high (p < 0.0025). Fractional deconjugation rate was 0.59 ± 0.69 (S.D.) day^-1, which was an increase of low significance (p < 0.05). A significantly lower trihydroxy to dihydroxy bile acid ratio was found (p < 0.025).

Key-words::

• Bile salt
• deconjugation
• 7-α-dehydroxylation
• elimination
• gallstone
• taurocholate