The effect of gastric juice on electrolyte transport by the colon - abstract

ABSTRACT

Replacement of the oesophagus by the colon is a widely accepted method of treatment for neoplasms or benign strictures of the oesophagus. The colon normally plays an important role in the re-absorption of water and electrolytes in the body. In addition, peptic ulceration sometimes occurs in the colonic transplant. It is therefore important to study the effect of gastric juice on the colon. Trained dogs with chronic Pavlov pouches and isolated segments of colon were the experimental model. Gastric juice was collected from the Pavlov pouches. 25ml of gastric juice was instilled into the colon and samples aspirated at intervals over the next 6 hours. The samples were then analysed for sodium, patassium, chloride, bicarbonate, pH and osmolality. This response was compared with that obtained following the instillation of isotonic solutions of HCI, NaCi, mannitol and (NH4)2SO4. The results obtained show that gastric juice was rapidly and effectively buffered by the colon and there was no increase in the production of mucous. Hydrogen ions were absorbed in exchange for sodium and there was no effect on potassium or chloride transport. There was a decrease in the bicarbonate content of colonic samples. There was no evidence of active water transport (AU)