Incorporation of exogenous choline into liver and biliary phospholipids

Abstract

Since choline is an essential part of biliary phospholipid which has a definite effect on holding cholesterol in solution in bile, the incorporation of exogenous choline into liver and biliary phospholipid has been studied using choline-methyl-C¹⁴ and silicic acid column chromatography. Exogenous choline is demonstrated to be rapidly incorporated into liver lecithin, sphingomyelin and biliary lecithin. Indirect evidence is presented showing bacterial degradation of choline in the intestine is not likely responsible for the urinary excretion of large amounts of trimethylamine after oral administration of choline. The choline portion of ingested lecithin is metabolized similar to free choline; ingested lecithin which is absorbed as such from the intestine will remain in general circulation for a considerable length of time.