The Transmucosal Electrical Potential Difference of Rectum in the Unanesthetized Man

Abstract

Dalmark, M. 1970. The Transmucosal Electrical Potential Difference of Rectum in the Unanesthetized Man. Scand. J. Gastroent. 5, 277-282.

An indirect method of estimating the magnitude of the transmucosal potential difference (PD) of the rectum in the unanesthetized man is given. The technique secured: i) flowing junctions, ii) sterility, and iii) prevention of potassium-Agar contamination of the blood. The average PD was 39 mV (SD 13) 10 cm from anus in 21 normal subjects (lumen negative). During laparotomy the PD of the indirect method was compared with the PD between mucosa and serosa of colon/rectum. Variations of the PD with time and position in rectum is given.

Key-words:

• Biological transport
• electrophysiology
• intestinal mucosa
• large intestine
• membrane potentials
• rectum