Ductus venosus

Wanless, I.R., Lentz, J.S., Roberts, E.A. Partial nodular transformation of liver in an adult with persistent ductus venosus. Review with hypothesis on pathogenesis. Arch. Path. Lab. Med. 1985 109 427 -432... 

Walisser JA, Bunger MK, Glover E, et al. Patent ductus venosus and dioxin resistance in mice harboring a hypomorphic Amt allele. J Biol Chem. 2004 279 16326-16331. 

Hepatic immaturity may be partly due to diversion in utero of blood from the liver by the ductus venosus. When this channel closes shortly after birth and normal hepatic blood flow is established, concentrations of a number of substances rise within the hepatocytes and may induce enzymes needed for their metabolism. Accumulation of bilirubin in plasma may play an important role in hastening the maturation. Although the liver normally matures within 1-2 weeks after birth, hypothyroidism can prolong this process for weeks or months. 

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