A SINGLE INTRAVENOUS HIGH-DOSE OF CHOLIC-ACID TO A PREGNANT EWE DOES NOT AFFECT FETAL WELL-BEING

Cardiovascular variables of both mother and fetus and total bile acid levels were monitored in amniotic fluid and in maternal and fetal plas ma after the administration of a single intravenous high dose (29 mg) of cholic acid to a pregnant ewe. We observed the diffusion of signifi cant quantities of cholic acids from the mother to the fetus and amnio tic fluid. Nevertheless, cardiovascular parameters (heart rate, blood pressure, PO2, PCO2 and pH) were not affected, neither did intra-amnio tic pressure show significant changes compared with the initial experi mental conditions. It is concluded that an acute increase in maternal plasma levels of bile acids does not produce important adverse effects in either the mother animal or the fetus and consequently, if bile ac ids should be deemed responsible for any deleterious effect observed i n a preterm fetus in intrahepatic cholestasis, this should be consider ed as the consequence of a chronic process.