Development of enzymatic conjugation and sulfation of bile acids in hamster liver

In vitro levels of enzyme activity were measured in liver from fetal and developing hamsters to study the fetal immaturity and postnatal development of bile acid conjugation and sulfation. Sulfation and conjugation were measured in the same animals. Partial reactions of bile acid conjugation were assayed independently; sulfation of conjugated and unconjugated lithocholate was measured separately. From 3 days before to 3 days after birth, specific activity for sulfation of lithocholate and lithocholate conjugates was similar; lithocholate sulfation was 80% of adult levels. In older hamsters, specific activity for sulfation of lithocholate conjugates was significantly higher than that for lithocholate. Specific activities of both partial reactions of bile acid conjugation were 12% of adult levels from 3 days before to 3 days after birth. Thereafter both activities increased together; the ratio of glycine to taurine-dependent conjugation was similar at all ages. The data suggest early development of a separate mechanism for lithocholate sulfation. Enzymes catalyzing bile acid conjugation and sulfation of bile acid conjugates exhibit maximal development after birth.