Bilirubin UDP-glucuronyltransferase activity of wistar rat kidney.

Wistar rat kidneys have been shown to possess a bilirubin glucuronyltransferase (BGT) activity capable of conjugating about 3/5 of the total pool of unconjugated bilirubin within 48 h of being grafted to Gunn rat hosts. Bilirubin conjugated by the kidney is taken up by the liver and excreted in the bile. Except when the bile duct is ligated, no conjugated bilirubin appears in the plasma or urine. Renal BGT activity is about 1/20th of the hepatic activity on a weight basis in Wistar rats. The Gunn rat's hyperbilirubinemia probably causes an induction of the renal enzyme since its activity doubles in 48 h.