Transport of L-cystine and L-djenkolic acid by the [formula omitted][formula omitted] small intestine

Abstract

The spatial distribution of L-cystine transport by the in vitro hamster small intestine was described. More was transported five-sixths of the way down the gut than at other locales. Using hamster intestinal sacs made from this area only, in buffer devoid of glucose (to reduce water transport) and L-djenkolic acid at 1 × 10 −4 M, minimal transport against a concentration gradient was demonstrable in about 90% of the experiments. Utilizing the mouse small intestine, all sacs transported L-djenkolic acid against a concentration gradient. Transport was inhibited by L-lysine. The other D,L- analogues of cystine previously noted to be transported should be re-investigated employing the L-isomers and the conditions outlined here with the hamster gut, or preferably with the small intestine of the mouse.