The hepatic transport of sodium [14C]taurocholate in foetal sheep

1. The biliary excretion of a tracer pulse of sodium [14C]taurocholate injected into the portal vein was compared in adult and near-term foetal sheep. 2. Biliary excretion was virtually complete in both adult and foetus, although appreciably faster in the adult. 3. These results indicate that at birth the mechanisms for bile salt uptake and excretion in the sheep liver are well established.