[Choleretics].

Because hypersecretion of gallbladder (GB) mucus occurs in gallstone formation and because binding of Ca(2+) to biliary lipids only accounts for 50% of the total Ca(2+) in GB bile, we investigated the binding of Ca(2+) to human biliary mucin. Biliary mucin was purified from GB bile and binding to Ca(2+) studied. Scatchard plot analysis suggested two binding sites. Removal of sialic acid by neuraminidase resulted in 10% reduction of Ca(2+) binding, whereas, sulfatase treatment reduced Ca(2+) binding by 30%. Using a hypotonic NaCl solution, Ca(2+) binding to mucin increased curvilinearly with mucin concentration. However, binding decreased with increasing ionic strength of the NaCl solution. We conclude that binding of Ca(2+) to mucin is effected mainly through sulfate. Binding to Ca(2+) can be displaced by Na(+). Ca(2+) binding to mucins is enhanced in the setting of low Na(+) concentrations. This phenomenon has pathophysiologic implications for the formation of thick mucus in cystic fibrosis epithelia.

Bile↗

PubMed2004

Aspiration of bile as a cause of respiratory distress in the newborn infant.

Early-onset respiratory distress and a radiographic appearance of an aspiration syndrome occurred in two neonates with gastroschisis who had evidence of inhalation of bile. Hypoxemic respiratory failure developed in both infants, contributing to death or prolonged respiratory morbidity. Bile aspiration syndrome should be considered whenever there is early-onset respiratory distress in a neonate with high intestinal obstruction.

Bile↗