stercobilinogen
Last reviewed 01/2018
Stercobilinogen is a bile pigment derived from conjugated bilirubin during transit through the gastrointestinal tract. It is formed due to a reduction reaction carried out by bacterial enzymes. It is colourless and water soluble.
Stercobilinogen may have several fates:
- the majority is oxidized to stercobilin within the gastrointestinal tract
- roughly 10% is reabsorbed and reconveyed to the liver via the portal circulation - enterohepatic circulation
- minimal absorption in rectum and excretion by kidney