An improved procedure for bile acid extraction and purification and tissue distribution in the rat

Two bile acid extraction procedures were compared using endogenously radiolabeled tissues and feces. The method of Setchell et al. (J. Lipid Res. 24, 1085-1100, 1983) resulted in essential complete extraction, whereas that of Manes and Schneider (J. Lipid Res. 6, 376-377, 1971) gave recoveries between 56-82%. The time requirement for the method of Setchell et al. could be drastically reduced with no loss in extraction efficiency. Using extracts from endogenously labeled material, a purification procedure using C18 solid-phase extraction cartridges was developed that recovers greater than 90% of bile acids. The distribution of bile acids within the intestinal tract and liver of the rat was determined.