Bile Flow and Composition in Preterm, Term and Infant Baboons

Abstract

We studied the maturational changes in bile composition, bile flow and choleretic effects of sodium taurocholate and secretin in preterm (160 ± 2 days, n = 4, group I), term (184 ± 2 days, n = 4, group II), 7-day postnatal age (n = 5, group III) and 60-day-old (n = 5, group IV) baboons. The canalicular bile flow was determined by ¹⁴C-erythritol clearance. Results: Gall bladder volume increased from group I to group III (0.08 ± 0.06 to 1.06 ± 0.93 ml). Bile flow increased significantly from group I to IV (0.13 ± 0.05 to 0.34 ± 0.07 μl/min/g liver weight, p < 0.05). This was associated with significant increases in total bile acid excretion (16 ± 3.6 to 31 ± 2.5 m.Eq/l, p < 0.05). The composition of bile also showed maturational changes with increasing postnatal age. Sodium taurocholate and secretin increased the bile flow significantly in all groups. Conclusion: Data from these studies clearly demonstrate that the bile flow and bile acid excretion is immature in preterm and term baboons when compared to 7- and 60-day-old baboons. The present studies also suggest that baboons can be used as a model to study the postnatal maturation of hepatic excretory function.

Postnatal development of the gastrointestinal system: A species comparison

“…In baboons, the bile secretory function of the liver has been shown to be immature at birth. Bhat et al (1997) indicated that over the first 7 postnatal days, hepatic bile secretion increased substantially. Bile flow rates increased over the first postnatal week to levels comparable to that of adult baboons (Bhat et al, 1997).…”

Hepatobiliary effects of cholic and lithocholic acids: experimental study in hamsters

“…There is immaturity of bile secretory function at birth, which increases after the first week of age. This fact was also confirmed in human neonate and in species phylogenetically closer to man, such as baboons [15,16].…”

Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling to Investigate the Effect of Maturation on Buprenorphine Pharmacokinetics in Newborns with Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

“…49 Postnatally, bile flow is significantly lower at birth than at 1 week PNA, as demonstrated in preterm and term nonhuman primates. 50 Moreover, enteral feeding is known to stimulate bile flow. 51 Last, hepatic active transport mechanisms may be underdeveloped in the first days of life, but given that no sinusoidal or canalicular transporters of buprenorphine have been identified, 14 Figure 4 Physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model-predicted and observed concentration-time profiles following sublingual administration of buprenorphine in neonates.…”