Simultaneous Measurement of Electrical Polarization and Electrolyte Transport by the Entire Normal and Inflamed Human Colon during in Vivo Perfusion

Abstract

Rask-Madsen, J. 1973. Simultaneous Measurement of Electrical Polarization and Electrolyte Transport by the Entire Normal and Inflamed Human Colon during in Vivo Perfusion. Scand. J. Gastroent. 8, 327-336.

The transport of electrolytes by the normal and the inflamed colonic epithelium was investigated by the technique of ‘steady-state’ perfusion of the entire colon with isotonic electrolyte solutions. The absolute transport rates of electrolytes were reduced in ulcerative colitis except for the secretion of potassium, which was increased in mild proctitis. The pattern of absorption was unaltered, however, even in severe disease. Studies of the polarization of mucosa from coecum to anus as well as the bidirectional sodium fluxes suggest that the ability of mucosal cells to perform active transport may be impaired in ulcerative colitis, and that the reduced sodium absorption, at least initially, may be due to changed permeability characteristics. Regional differences in functional properties of the mucosal membranes within the healthy colon were demonstrated by a gradual increase in the transmural potential difference aborally.

Key-words::

• Absorption
• biological transport
• colitis, ulcerative
• colon
• electrolytes
• intestine, large
• membrane potentials