Effect of taurocholate on the conversion of 3alpha, 7alpha, 12alpha-trihydroxy-5beta-cholestan-26-oic acid into cholic acid.

To determine if the conversion of the intermediate, 3alpha, 7alpha, 12alpha-trihydroxy-5beta-cholestan-26-oic acid (THCA), into cholic acid is influenced by taurocholate, two rats were infused intravenously with [3H] THCA until they reached a steady state. Taurocholate was then added and infused at a rate of 1 mumole/min/rat for 48 hours. The percentage of [3H] THCA recovered in the bile did not increase indicating that taurocholate does not suppress the conversion of THCA into cholic acid.