Water and electrolyte absorption and secretion in the small intestine

Abstract

This review covers three developing aspects of water and electrolyte transport in the small intestine. The first looks at intracellular signaling, the role of the cytoskeleton, and the coordination of transporter activity during intestinal epithelial secretion and absorption. The second section focuses on the mechanisms of action of Escherichia coli heat stable enterotoxin and cholera toxin and possible therapeutic interventions. Particular emphasis is placed on human studies. Finally, the role of intrinsic neural pathways and mediators in the control of intestinal water and electrolyte transport is explored.