Distribution of tissue bile acids in the human alimentary tract and colon polyps.

To determine the characteristic distribution of tissue-bound bile acids in the human alimentary tract and colon polyps, we measured the concentration of bile acids in the mucosal tissues of the alimentary tract obtained at autopsy and polyps obtained by endoscopic polypectomy, using enzymatic fluorimetry and gas-liquid chromatography. The concentration of tissue-bound bile acid, especially chenodeoxycholic acid, was significantly higher in the ileum or ascending colon than in the other portions of the alimentary tract. The bile acid level of polyps was also higher in the ascending colon than in the other portions of the colon. These results suggest that the high concentration of tissue-bound bile acids is obtained at the site of absorption of bile acids in the alimentary tract.