Effects of Nutrition on Unconjugated Plasma Bilirubin Concentrations in Squirrel Monkeys†

Abstract

Bolivian squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) have fasting unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia (males: 2.0 +/- 0.14; females: 3.0 +/- 0.26 mg per dl) which resembles that of humans with Gilbert's syndrome. Closely related Brazilian squirrel monkeys have fasting levels (males: 0.29 +/- 0.045; females: 0.36 +/- 0.073 mg per dl) similar to normal people. The purpose of this study was to identify the underlying mechanisms and the nutritional factors involved. Both Bolivian and Brazilian squirrel monkeys had higher plasma bilirubin concentrations after an 18 hr fast than 4 hr after feeding. The development of fasting hyperbilirubinemia was progressive for at least 24 hr. Both populations that received a semipurified diet containing 5% fat had lower fasting and postprandial plasma bilirubin concentrations than did animals receiving 0.3% fat but much lower than those receiving 20% fat. The emulsified complete meal, or glucose, sucrose, casein, or lactalbumin alone when given by intragastric tube lowered the plasma bilirubin levels of Bolivian monkeys to less than one-half of fasting values within 1 to 4 hr. Water or butter did not have a significant effect. Glucose or fructose, when given intravenously, lowered the plasma bilirubin levels to less than half of fasting values; the fat emulsion, Intralipid, did not have a statistically significant effect. Subcutaneous epinephrine increased plasma glucose concentrations and reduced plasma bilirubin concentrations. When glucose or glucose plus butter were given by stomach tube to Bolivian squirrel monkeys for 48 hr, a very low plasma bilirubin concentration resulted whereas butter given alone resulted in high values.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Correlations of serum biochemistry profile with ultrasonic histogram of liver, gallbladder, and kidneys and morphometry of rescued long‐tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis)

“…It was reported that nutrition and fasting affected the plasma bilirubin concentration in squirrel monkeys. 16 Creatinine was higher in males compared to females similar to previous studies. 2,7,8 The observed sex-related difference in creatinine could be due to relatively higher muscle mass in males as previously described.…”

Hepatic transport and metabolism of various organic anions in patients with congentital non-hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia, including constitutional indocyanine green excretory defect

“…Furthermore, these results suggest that exogenous glucose may increase the availability of uridine diphospho (UDP)-glucuronate for the hepatic conjugation of bilirubin in fasting subjects. 26 The reasons for the discrepancies between Portman's results dial ours are uncertain, but may be explained by differences in the composition of the food (calorie intake), in duration of feeding, and species differences.…”

“…On the other hand, Portman et al 26 reported that carbohydrates lowered fasting hyperbilirubinemia and increased bilirubin excretion in bile in Bolivian squirrel monkeys. Furthermore, these results suggest that exogenous glucose may increase the availability of uridine diphospho (UDP)-glucuronate for the hepatic conjugation of bilirubin in fasting subjects.…”

Bilirubin Metabolism and its Disorders

“…Fasting hyperbilirubinemia is rapidly reversed by oral or intravenous administration of carbohydrates, but not by lipid administration. 354 …”