SOLUTE AND WATER ABSORPTION BY THE HUMAN SMALL INTESTINE.

Abstract

Intestinal absorption of solute and water in the human small intestine was studied in normal subjects and in patients with nontropical sprue by transintestinal intubation and perfusion technique. Solutions perfused included distilled water Ringers solution and 1% glucose-Ringers solution. In normal subjects absorption of sodium chloride and potassium occurred proximally and secretion distally when Ringers was perfused. When 1% glucose was substituted for sodium and chloride in the Ringers solution absorption rates in normal subjects were greatly augmented especially in the proximal small gut where glucose absorption is greatest. In sprue patients glucose sodium and chloride all tended to be transported in equimolar proportions only in the distal region of the gut whereas in normal subjects these elements tended to be transported in equimolar proportions across all regions of the small intestine. This is the first documentation of such a linkage in transport under physiological conditions in humans.