Abstract
Extract: Meconium, newborn stool, and fetal bile were examined for bile acids by the techniques of gas liquid chromatography, thin layer chromatography and colorimetric spectrometry. Cholic, chenodeoxycholic, deoxycholic, and lithocholic acid were detected in meconium. Secondary bile acids were not present in significant amounts in either stool or fetal bile from newborns. During fetal development more cheno-deoxycholate than cholate is formed. The presence of secondary bile acids in meconium is suggestive of maternal-to-fetal transfer via the placenta.
Speculation: The number of hydroxyl groups on the basic sterol nucleus may influence bile duct development. Excess quantities of bile acids, particularly lithocholic acid, may alter the developing fetal hepatic stucture.
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Sharp, H., Peller, J., Carey, J. et al. Primary and Secondary Bile Acids in Meconium. Pediatr Res 5, 274–279 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197106000-00005
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197106000-00005
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