Electrolyte metabolism in the colon - abstract

ABSTRACT

Studies were designed to determine the role of the colon in electrolyte homeostasis, and to analyse some of the factors which affect electrolyte transport in the colon. These studies were carrried out in humans by the analysis of faecal fluid electrolytes, and in rats and dogs by in-vivo isolated loops of colon. The results obtained show that, particularly under conditions of electrolyte depletion, the colon plays an important role in electrolyte homeostasis. There is a suggestion that although there is a relationship between the transport of sodium and potassium, transport of potassium may occur independently of sodium transport. There may be a relationship between the transport of potassium and bicarbonate and there is a relationship between the transport of chloride and bicarbonate (AU)