[15N]-Taurocholic acid

[15N]-Taurocholic acid is a compound that is often used in research studies as a tracer for bile acid metabolism. It is a modified version of taurocholic acid, a primary bile acid that is produced in the liver and plays a vital role in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine. The addition of the stable isotope 15N to taurocholic acid allows scientists to track the metabolism of bile acids in vivo. This is achieved by administering the labeled compound to experimental subjects and monitoring the excretion of 15N-labeled metabolites in urine and feces. This information can then be used to gain insights into the regulation of bile acid synthesis, transport, and recycling in the body. Chemically, [15N]-Taurocholic acid is a conjugate of cholic acid and taurine, a sulfonic acid commonly found in animal tissues. It has a molecular weight of 514.7 g/mol and a chemical formula of C26H45N2O7S. The labeled compound is typically synthesized using stable isotope-labeled precursors and purified using chromatographic techniques. In addition to its research applications, [15N]-Taurocholic acid may also have potential clinical uses. For example, it has been suggested that labeled bile acids could be used to diagnose and monitor liver diseases such as cholestasis and cirrhosis. Overall, [15N]-Taurocholic acid is a valuable tool for studying the complex processes involved in bile acid metabolism and its potential role in disease.