title: Absorption of biliary calcium from the canine gallbladder: protection against the formation of calcium-containing gallstones.
abstract: Calcium salts are the major components of pigment gallstones. The calcium species in bile that is critical for Ca++ precipitation is free ionized calcium, [Ca++]. Factors that regulate biliary [Ca++] in bile are therefore of great importance in the pathogenesis of pigment gallstones. The fate of biliary Ca++ on entry into the gallbladder has not previously been studied. We here report that a minimum of 51.3% +/- 8.8% (SEM) of Ca++ is absorbed from the canine gallbladder on concentration of bile during a 24-hour fast. In addition, there was absorption of least 70.9% +/- 6.2% of Na+, 56.5% +/- 8.6% of K+, and nearly all (greater than 98%) of Cl-. Absorption, neutralization, or both, of HCO3- was also nearly complete (greater than 98%). During concentration of bile by the gallbladder, the concentrations of all biliary cations increased as total bile salt concentration increased, whereas anion concentrations declined. These results are consistent with a Gibbs-Donnan effect induced by impermeable, negatively charged bile salt molecules. Comparison of bile/plasma [Ca++] ratios with those for [K+], a passively distributed ion, was also consistent with, although not proof of, the passive absorption and distribution of Ca++ across the gallbladder epithelium. The absorption of Ca++ by the gallbladder may be a factor in the prevention of pigment gallstones, because it limits free Ca++ ion in bile, and thus decreases the likelihood of precipitation of calcium.
authors: Department of Surgery, Northwestern Univeristy Medical School.
authors: R V
authors: RV
authors: Rege
authors: D L
authors: DL
authors: Nahrwold
authors: E W
authors: EW
authors: Moore
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001639:Bicarbonates / Q000032:analysis; D001646:Bile / Q000378:metabolism*; D001647:Bile Acids and Salts / Q000378:metabolism; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D002712:Chlorides / Q000032:analysis; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003135:Common Bile Duct / Q000378:metabolism; D004285:Dogs; D005704:Gallbladder / Q000378:metabolism*; D008433:Mathematics; D011188:Potassium / Q000032:analysis; D012964:Sodium / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D001639:Bicarbonates; D001647:Bile Acids and Salts; D002712:Chlorides; D012964:Sodium; D011188:Potassium; D002118:Calcium