Intestinal transport of different electrolyte solutions across small intestine of rabbit in vivo

Abstract

Objective: Determine the relative effects of different electrolyte solutions in optimizing intestinal absorption of water and electrolytes. Methodology: The rice electrolyte solutions, called CeraLyte 90 contained 40 g rice and 90 mM sodium, and CeraLyte 70 contained 40 g rice and 70 mM sodium per litre of solution. Different concentrations of carboxymethyl cellulose CMC (10.0, 5.0, and 2.5 g/L) were added to standard oral rehydration solutions (Std ORS) to increase its viscosity. Fifty-centimetre small intestinal segments were perfused with different electrolyte solutions, containing 6 g/L polyethylene glycol (MW 4000) as a non-absorbable marker. Results: Mean±SE of water and sodium ion absorption with standard ORS vs. CeraLyte 90 was 1.53ztO.!l vs. 1.59±O.O9 mL/min/g of dry intestine (NS) and 0.24±0.21 vs. 0.58±0.09 mM/min/g of dry intestine respectively. The absorption of potassium and chloride ions was not different when compared among Std ORS, CeraLyte 90, and CeraLyte 70. Secretion of sodium ion was found when the rabbit was perfused with the electrolyte solutions, containing different concentrations of CMC. Water absorption and sodium ion secretion from electrolyte solution with 5 g/L CMC was significantly different when compared with the solution with 10 g/L CMC (p=0.01 and 0.0004). Conclusion: It is concluded that CeraLyte 90 and CeraLyte 70 have no additional absorption-promoting effect on water and electrolytes transport. Increasing viscosity of electrolyte solution may cause stimulation of secretion across the small intestine of rabbit.