Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphotransferase (DHEA ST) is the enzyme responsible for sulphation of lithocholic acid and other potentially hepatotoxic steroids. We have previously shown that DHEA ST activity is reduced in cytosol of liver from miscellaneous patients with chronic liver disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the cause of diminished sulphotransferase activity in order to further our understanding of whether a reduction in the ability to sulphate potentially hepatotoxic bile acids might play a role in the aetiology of primary cholestatic liver disease.