Serum concentrations of unconjugated and conjugated cholic acid in portal venous and systemic venous blood of fasting man.

The fasting concentrations of unconjugated and conjugated cholic acid were determined in the peripheral venous serum of 15 healthy subjects, eight patients with ileal resection and six patients with known bacterial overgrowth of the upper small intestine. In addition, the estimated hepatic uptake of unconjugated and conjugated cholic acid was determined in 15 gallstone patients undergoing cholecystectomy. A highly accurate and specific mass-fragmentographic technique with high sensitivity was used.