Analysis of bile acids and their conjugates in jejunal juice by thin-layer chromatography and direct densitometry

A method for the separation and determination of bile acids and their conjugates from jejunal juice is described. The bile acids were separated by thin-layer chromatography on silica gel G, individual bile acids demonstrated on the chromatogram with a spray reagent and direct densitometry performed. The method separates unconjugated from conjugated acids and also separates conjugated trihydroxy and dihydroxy acids. The method has been evaluated by comparison with the specific 3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase technique.