Bile acid synthesis. Metabolism of 3 beta-hydroxy-5-cholenoic acid in the hamster.

Synthesis of 3 beta-hydroxy-5-[1,2-3H]cholenoic acid has permitted a study of its metabolism in bile-fistula hamsters that received the compound by intravenous infusion. Metabolites in bile were identified by reverse isotope dilution after their complete resolution by high pressure liquid chromatography using muPorasil. Recovery of administered radioactivity ranged from 21-60% in three animals. In each study, lithocholic acid (0.8-4.4%) and chenodeoxycholic acid (7.8-11.3%) were identified as metabolites of 3 beta-hydroxy-5-cholenoate and can be considered primary bile acids in the side-chain pathway of bile acid synthesis beginning with the oxidation of cholesterol to 26-hydroxycholesterol.