Chapter 7 Integrated signaling mechanisms that regulate intestinal chloride secretion

Abstract

This chapter discusses the integrated signaling mechanisms that regulate intestinal chloride secretion. The intestinal epithelium is a continuous monolayer of cells that line the intestinal tract. Primary functions of this epithelium are the absorption and secretion of ions and water to and from the intestinal lumen. Intestinal secretions normally are required to maintain an appropriate fluid environment within the lumen. This allows for the transiting of ingested material through the alimentary canal and the mixing of ingested food particles with digestive enzymes and provides a medium for the diffusion of digested nutrients to the epithelium, where absorption may occur. The importance of ongoing secretory processes to normal intestinal function can be inferred from pathological conditions in which these processes are impaired. Intestinal chloride secretion is a process that is subject to a large number of regulatory influences at both the intra- and intercellular levels and is likely regulated on a minute-to-minute basis, in the longer term, in response to changes in whole-body fluid and electrolyte status. The plethora of regulatory influences on this process emphasizes the pivotal physiological importance of this transport mechanism for the normal intestinal function.