User:Kasliwalse/sandbox

Bilirubin Testing
Structure of Bilirubin

-Methyl (Me) and vinyl (CH2=CH) groups differ between molecules. -Carboxyl groups are conjugated. -Folded structure is very insoluble in water.

Bilirubin Fractionation by HPLC

Serum from infant with giant cell hepatitis. a = unconjugated b = singly conj. g = doubly conj. d = covalently bound to albumin

Delta Bilirubin -Formed from conjugated bilirubin and albumin in circulation. -Slow, non-enzymatic replacement of glucu-ronic acid by albumin. Like glycohemoglobin. -Detectable only after prolonged episode of conjugated hyperbilirubinemia. -Clears slowly from circulation. Half-life same as albumin, 2-3 weeks.

Traditional Bilirubin Methods

-Diazo reaction (Ehrlich 1883). -Applied to bilirubin by van den Bergh and Muller (1916). -Conjugated bilirubin reacts rapidly. -Unconjugated bilirubin reacts slowly or not at all (folded, insoluble). -Something else needed to unfold and solubilize unconjugated bilirubin so it can react with diazo reagent