Influence of Saponin upon Bacterial Flora, H-ion Concentration and Permeability of the Intestinal Tract

Abstract

Kaufman1 showed that the oral ingestion of small doses of saponin caused a sudden alteration in the bacterial flora and the acid-base equilibrium of the contents of the stomach and small intestine of mice. His work was part of a study upon the increased susceptibility of rodents to enteritides infections. We have extended Kaufman's experiments to dogs. In addition to the intra-intestinal changes we have studied the distribution of B. coli in the organs of these animals.Thirty-four dogs were used. Two cm. of a 20% aqueous solution of saponin was administered by stomach tube. The animals were killed at various time intervals. The hydrogen-ion concentration of the contents of the stomach, duodenum, upper and lower jejunum was determined by Heilig's capillary comparator, and the distribution of B. coli was obtained by culture upon Endo media. The lymph glands of the splanchnic region, liver, kidney, spleen and lungs were also examined for the presence of B. coli by taking pieces from these organs, putting the...