Abstract
We studied the effects of bile stasis in a guinea pig model of pigment gallstone. The common bile ducts of guinea pigs were partially ligated, and the guinea pigs killed one or two weeks later. Biliary sludge or stones were examined with the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the scanning electromicroscopy. The bile was analyzed for pH, free calcium, bile acids and bilirubin fractions, and the activities of both bacterial and endogenous beta-glucuronidase. After bile duct ligation, calcium bilirubinate precipitates or stones formed in all except one of the animals studied. The bile pH and the proportion of unconjugated bilirubin rose after bile duct ligation, with a concomitant fall of bilirubin monoglucuronide. The activity of bacterial beta-glucuronidase decreased after ligation, while the activity of endogenous beta-glucuronidase rose at week 2. Our results imply that precipitation of calcium bilirubinate in this animal model was induced by an increased bile pH and the nonenzymatic hydrolysis of conjugated bilirubin.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
