Question

In splenic macrophages, biliverdin is reduced to which form of bilirubin?

1) Conjugated bilirubin
2) Unconjugated bilirubin
3) Direct bilirubin
4) Indirect bilirubin

Answer 1

In splenic macrophages, biliverdin is reduced to unconjugated bilirubin.

Step-by-step explanation:

In splenic macrophages, biliverdin is reduced to unconjugated bilirubin. Bilirubin is a waste product produced when the spleen removes old or damaged red blood cells from the circulation. It is eventually transformed into stercobilin, a brown pigment that gives stool its characteristic color.

Answer 2

Final answer:

In splenic macrophages, biliverdin is reduced to unconjugated bilirubin, also known as indirect bilirubin, before being sent to the liver for conjugation. (Option 2).

Step-by-step explanation:

Biliverdin Reduction to Bilirubin

In splenic macrophages, biliverdin is reduced to unconjugated bilirubin, also known as indirect bilirubin.

This form of bilirubin is water-insoluble and must travel through the blood bound to albumin to reach the liver, where it will later be conjugated with glucuronic acid to become water-soluble.

Once it is conjugated in the liver, it becomes conjugated bilirubin or direct bilirubin, which can be excreted into the bile and passed into the intestine. Here, it is eventually transformed into stercobilin, giving feces their brown color.

The indirect Van Den Bergh test differentiates between unconjugated and conjugated bilirubin in blood. Unconjugated bilirubin does not react with the Diazo reagent unless alcohol is added, which then produces a purple red color.

This type of bilirubin is seen in conditions such as hemolytic and infective jaundice. The presence of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia may indicate liver impairment, as seen in diseases where the liver fails to adequately process bilirubin. (Option 2).