The physiology and pathology of bile acid metabolism
Coraggio, F.; Farro, M.; Spina, M.
Archivio Per le Scienze Mediche 137(1): 1-12
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-0312 PMID: 6257207 Document Number: 162666
The biochemistry and metabolism of bile acids are briefly described together with their importance in the maintenance of biliary homeostasis. An account is given os some situations in which such metabolism is impaired: in cirrhosis of the liver, an isotope technique was used to show a fall in cholic acid (expression of liver cell damage); in cholostasis, stress is laid on reduced bile acid synthesis and a simultaneous increase in sensitivity of the bile canicular epithelium to secretin stimulation. Lastly, evidence is produced to suggest that the diarrhoea which often recurs after extensive intestinal resection is secondary to an increase in intestinal AMPc cells induced by bile acids.