Canadian Medical Guide > Chemicals and Drugs > Polycyclic Hydrocarbons > Steroids > Bile Acids and Salts > Cholic Acids Terms and Definitions

Cholic Acids

Medical Definition:	The 3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha-trihydroxy-5 beta-cholanic acid family of bile acids in man, usually conjugated with glycine or taurine. They act as detergents to solubilize fats for intestinal absorption, are reabsorbed by the small intestine, and are used as cholagogues and choleretics.
Guide Notes:	cholic acid glycine conjugate = GLYCOCHOLIC ACID; cholic acid taurine conjugate = TAUROCHOLIC ACID; CHOLIC ACID is also available
Previously Indexed:	Bile Acids and Salts (1966-1972)

Cholic Acids Categories.

	Cholic Acid - A major primary bile acid produced in the liver and usually conjugated with glycine or taurine. It facilitates fat absorption and cholesterol excretion.
	Dehydrocholic Acid - A semisynthetic bile acid made from cholic acid. It is used as a cholagogue, hydrocholeretic, diuretic, and as a diagnostic aid.
	Deoxycholic Acid - A bile acid formed by bacterial action from cholate. It is usually conjugated with glycine or taurine. Deoxycholic acid acts as a detergent to solubilize fats for intestinal absorption, is reabsorbed itself, and is used as a choleretic and detergent.
	Glycocholic Acid - The glycine conjugate of CHOLIC ACID. It acts as a detergent to solubilize fats for absorption and is itself absorbed.
	Lithocholic Acid - A bile acid formed from chenodeoxycholate by bacterial action, usually conjugated with glycine or taurine. It acts as a detergent to solubilize fats for absorption and is itself absorbed. It is used as cholagogue and choleretic.

Cholic Acids Medical Definitions and Terms

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