Twenty-five years of progress in bilirubin metabolism (1952-77).

This review deals with the development of our understanding of the chemistry of bilirubin and its glucuronide derivatives during the years 1952-1977. It examines the relation between haem metabolism and bilirubin formation and our present knowledge of hepatic transport of bilirubin. The heterogeneity of familial hyperbilirubinaemia is discussed.