Electrophysiological characterization of chloride secretion across the jejunum and colon of pigs as affected by age and weaning

Abstract

Hypersecretion of chloride can cause diarrhea, a disease frequently occurring in young pigs, particularly around weaning. We investigated the contribution of different channels to intestinal Cl(-) secretion as influenced by age and weaning. Jejunal and colonic epithelia from 4-month-old pigs and 4-week-old piglets were incubated in Ussing chambers and stimulated by carbachol and forskolin. Changes in short-circuit currents were taken as measure of electrogenic net Cl(-) secretion. DIDS or NPPB served to inhibit Ca-activated Cl(-)-channels and outwardly rectifying Cl(-)-channels (ORCC) or cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR), respectively. Depolarizing the basolateral membrane allowed to examine the influence of K(+)-channels on Cl(-) secretion. Forskolin-stimulated Cl(-) secretion was mediated by CFTR. ORCC were not involved. Carbachol-induced Cl(-) secretion could be ascribed to an enhanced driving force due to the opening of K(+)-channels, whereas Ca-dependent Cl(-) channels seemed not to be involved. In jejunum, piglets showed higher Cl(-) secretion than pigs. Two days after weaning forskolin induced an I (sc) overshoot and a faster increase in G (t). In colon, Cl(-) secretion was neither influenced by age nor by weaning. The data suggest a disposition of porcine jejunum for a higher Cl(-) secretion in young and freshly weaned piglets, which might be a natural defense mechanism as well as a predisposing factor for diarrhea.