Effects of SF-482 on bile, gallstones formation and experimental hyperlipemias.

The effects of 3 alpha, 7 beta-dihydroxy-12-cheto-cholan-24-oic acid (SF-482) were compared with those of ursodeoxycholic acid on bile flow and composition, on gallstones formation and on experimental hyperlipemias. SF-482, like ursodeoxycholic acid, increases the bile flow and residue in normal and ethynylestradiol-treated rats. The two compounds increase the biliary excretion of bile acids and phospholipids with a desaturation of bile cholesterol. SF-482 and ursodeoxycholic acid decrease the incidence of gallstones in mice; both compounds are active in Triton WR-1339, in olive oil and margarine hyperlipemias in rats and in ethanol intoxication in mice. In general, SF-482 is more active than ursodeoxycholic acid.