Fatty Acid Pattern of Human Bile under Normal and Pathological Conditions. ∗

Summary

1) Total fatty acids of human gallbladder bile and hepatic bile were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by gas-liquid chromatography. The 3 major fatty acids in human bile are palmitic, oleic and linoleic acid, representing around 80% of total fatty acids.

2) Analysis of composition of total fatty acids in uncomplicated gallstone disease failed to reveal any abnormality in this disease.

3) In one subject with occluding gallbladder stone and beginning absorption of bile pigments, and one subject with white bile, a reduction of the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids and an excess in saturated fatty acids were observed.

4) The significance of differences in relative concentrations of fatty acids of lecithins in subjects with gallstone disease is discussed.