Bile Acids, Total, Serum

Bile acids are amphipathic steroidal compounds derived from the enzymatic catabolism of cholesterol. They perform essential roles in gastrointestinal physiology. As the major solute in bile, they are a primary determinant of bile flow and biliary lipid secretion. The catabolism of cholesterol to bile acids is an important route for the elimination of cholesterol from the body, accounting for approximately 50% of cholesterol eliminated daily. In the intestine, bile acids regulate pancreatic secretions and the release of gastrointestinal peptides and activate carboxyl ester lipase, which is required for the absorption of lipid-soluble vitamins. Bile acids are also involved in apoptosis, mucin secretion and biliary ductular secretion.

Elevated bile acids levels are found in hepatic neoplasia, portosystemic shunt, hepatic lipidosis, hepatitis, feline infectious peritonitis, bile duct obstruction, canine adenovirus, slowed gastrointestinal transit, copper toxicity and almost any condition that causes a defect in hepatic uptake or portal circulation.

1 ml Serum Room Temperature

1.0-6.0 μmol/L