AN ANALYSIS OF PORPHYRINS OF NORMAL AND CIRRHOTIC HUMAN LIVER AND NORMAL BILE

Normal liver contains about 108 ± 35 μg/100 g protoporphyrin and 23 ± 11.5 μg/100 g of coproporphyrin, compared to corresponding values of 114 ± 45.5 μg and 26.5 ± 15 μg, in cirrhotic liver. The isomer analysis of the coproporphyrin of the liver in both normal and cirrhotic groups revealed similar preponderance of type III isomer. Thus, no significant difference in porphyrin content is evident in normal and cirrhotic livers. Most of the normal porphyrin of the bile is coproporphyrin I and the ratio of total coproporphyrin to protoporphyrin, which is regularly present in small amount, is approximately 10:1. Uroporphyrin was not demonstrable in the bile. © 1969.