Side chain structure determines unique physiologic and therapeutic properties of norursodeoxycholic acid in Mdr2 −/− mice†‡§

Abstract

The relative resistance of norUDCA to amidation may explain its unique physiologic and pharmacologic properties. These include the ability to undergo cholehepatic shunting and to directly stimulate cholangiocyte secretion, both resulting in a HCO(3)(-)-rich hypercholeresis that protects the liver from cholestatic injury.