Pharmacological studies on taurohyodeoxycholic acid.

In this study we investigated the anticholelithogenic and choleretic activities and the general pharmacological action of taurohyodeoxycholic acid (THDCA, Io, Praxis, CAS 2958-04-5), a new biliary acid advocated for use as anticholelithogenic agent. THDCA had no significant activity on the CNS (spontaneous locomotor activity, body temperature, coordinated movement, respiration); it also had no significant anticonvulsant or central anticholinergic actions. With regard to the action on the cardiovascular system, THDCA administration did not give rise to significant changes in blood pressure or ECG. Investigation of its action on the gastrointestinal system revealed no significant changes in the intestinal transport of charcoal after treatment. However, biliary flow and biliary solids content were increased by THDCA intraduodenal doses of 300 mg/kg b.w. In mice fed with lithogenic diet THDCA administration (230 and 450 mg/kg b.w. for 8 weeks) significantly decreased gallstone and steatosis incidence.