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A portion of absorbed dietary triglycerides (TG) is retained in the intestine after the postprandial period, within intracellular and extracellular compartments. This pool of TG can be mobilized in response to several stimuli, including oral glucose. The objective of this study was to determine whether oral glucose must be absorbed and metabolized to mobilize TG in rats and whether high-fat feeding, a model of insulin resistance, alters the lipid mobilization response to glucose. Lymph flow, TG concentration, TG output, and apolipoprotein B48 (apoB48) concentration and output were assessed after an intraduodenal lipid bolus in rats exposed to the following intraduodenal administrations 5 h later: saline (placebo), glucose, 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG, absorbed but not metabolized), or glucose + phlorizin (intestinal glucose absorption inhibitor). Glucose alone, but not 2-DG or glucose þ phlorizin treatments, stimulated lymph flow, TG output, and apoB48 output compared with placebo. The effects of glucose in high-fat-fed rats were similar to those in chow-fed rats. In conclusion, glucose must be both absorbed and metabolized to enhance lymph flow and intestinal lipid mobilization. This effect is qualitatively and quantitatively similar in high-fat- and chowfed rats. The precise signaling mechanism whereby enteral glucose enhances lymph flow and mobilizes enteral lipid remains to be determined. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Glucose potently enhances mesenteric lymph flow in chow- and high-fat-fed rats. The magnitude of glucose effect on lymph flow is no different in chow- and high-fat-fed rats. Glucose must be absorbed and metabolized to enhance lymph flow and mobilize intestinal lipid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is associated with alterations in cholesterol and bile acid (BA) metabolism. However, the interaction among dietary intake, cholesterol absorption, and BA metabolism in patients with obesity remains unclear. We conducted a 4-wk nutritional intervention nonrandomized clinical trial with three different sequential diets for a week in the following order: regular diet (RD); high calorie, high-fat diet (HCHF), washout period on RD; and low-calorie, low-fat diet (LCLF). We provided participants with meal replacements during HCHF and LCLF diets. A total of 16 participants completed the study [n = 8 normal weight (NW); n = 8 with obesity (OB)]. Overall, there was a significant increase in intestinal cholesterol uptake when changing from RD to HCHF and a reduction in intestinal cholesterol uptake from HCHF to LCLF. When analyzing by BMI groups, these findings were similar in patients with NW (RD to HCHF: P < 0.007; HCHF to LCLF: P = 0.02); however, in patients with obesity, the change in intestinal cholesterol uptake was only observed when changing from RD to HCHF (P = 0.006). There was no correlation between cholesterol absorption and fecal bile acids or other markers of BA metabolism in all patients or the subgroups. Dietary caloric content had a significant effect on cholesterol absorption, however, this effect is blunted in patients with obesity. These data are consistent with the impaired effect of a low-fat diet on cholesterol absorption in obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut microbiota is a potent biological modulator of many physiological and pathological states. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS), including the local gastrointestinal RAS (GI RAS), emerges as a potential mediator of microbiota-related effects. The RAS is involved in cardiovascular system homeostasis, water-electrolyte balance, intestinal absorption, glycemic control, inflammation, carcinogenesis, and aging-related processes. Ample evidence suggests a bidirectional interaction between the microbiome and RAS. On the one hand, gut bacteria and their metabolites may modulate GI and systemic RAS. On the other hand, changes in the intestinal habitat caused by alterations in RAS may shape microbiota metabolic activity and composition. Notably, the pharmacodynamic effects of the RAS-targeted therapies may be in part mediated by the intestinal RAS and changes in the microbiome. This review summarizes studies on gut microbiota and RAS physiology. Expanding the research on this topic may lay the foundation for new therapeutic paradigms in gastrointestinal diseases and multiple systemic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin B7 (biotin) is essential for normal health and its deficiency/suboptimal levels occur in a variety of conditions including chronic alcoholism. Mammals, including humans, obtain biotin from diet and gut-microbiota via absorption along the intestinal tract. The absorption process is carrier mediated and involves the sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter (SMVT; SLC5A6). We have previously shown that chronic alcohol exposure significantly inhibits intestinal/colonic biotin uptake via suppression of Slc5a6 transcription in animal and cell line models. However, little is known about the transcriptional/epigenetic factors that mediate this suppression. In addition, the effect of alcohol metabolites (generated via alcohol metabolism by gut microbiota and host tissues) on biotin uptake is still unknown. To address these questions, we first demonstrated that chronic alcohol exposure inhibits small intestinal and colonic biotin uptake and SMVT expression in human differentiated enteroid and colonoid monolayers. We then showed that chronic alcohol exposures of both, Caco-2 cells and mice, are associated with a significant suppression in expression of the nuclear factor KLF-4 (needed for Slc5a6 promoter activity), as well as with epigenetic alterations (histone modifications). We also found that chronic exposure of NCM460 human colonic epithelial cells as well as human differentiated colonoid monolayers, to alcohol metabolites (acetaldehyde, ethyl palmitate, ethyl oleate) significantly inhibited biotin uptake and SMVT expression. These findings shed light onto the molecular/epigenetic mechanisms that mediate the inhibitory effect of chronic alcohol exposure on intestinal biotin uptake. They further show that alcohol metabolites are also capable of inhibiting biotin uptake in the gut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is crucial for many biological functions, such as energy metabolism, signal transduction, and pH buffering. Efficient systems must exist to ensure sufficient supply for the body of Pi from diet. Previous experiments in humans and rodents suggest that two pathways for the absorption of Pi exist, an active transcellular Pi transport and a second paracellular pathway. Whereas the identity, role, and regulation of active Pi transport have been extensively studied, much less is known about the properties of the paracellular pathway. In Ussing chamber experiments, we characterized paracellular intestinal Pi permeabilities and fluxes. Dilution potential measurements in intestinal cell culture models demonstrated that the tight junction is permeable to Pi, with monovalent Pi having a higher permeability than divalent Pi. These findings were confirmed in rat and mouse intestinal segments by use of Ussing chambers and a combination of dilution potential measurements and fluxes of radiolabeled 32Pi. Both techniques yielded very similar results, showing that paracellular Pi fluxes were bidirectional and that Pi permeability was ~50% of the permeability for Na+ or Cl−. Pi fluxes were a function of the concentration gradient and Pi species (mono- vs. divalent Pi). In mice lacking the active transcellular Pi transport component sodium-dependent Pi transporter NaPi-IIb, the paracellular pathway was not upregulated. In summary, the small and large intestines have a very high paracellular Pi permeability, which may favor monovalent Pi fluxes and allow efficient uptake of Pi even in the absence of active transcellular Pi uptake. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The paracellular permeability for phosphate is high along the entire axis of the small and large intestine. There is a slight preference for monovalent phosphate. Paracellular phosphate fluxes do not increase when transcellular phosphate transport is genetically abolished. Paracellular phosphate transport may be an important target for therapies aiming to reduce intestinal phosphate absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammalian cells utilize two transporters for the uptake of ascorbic acid (AA), Na+-dependent vitamin C transporter SVCT-1 and SVCT-2. In the intestine, these transporters are involved in AA absorption and are expressed at the apical and basolateral membrane domains of the polarized epithelia, respectively. Little is known about the differential expression of these two transporters along the anteriorposterior axis of the intestinal tract and the molecular mechanism(s) that dictate this pattern of expression. We used mouse and human intestinal cDNAs to address these issues. The results showed a significantly lower rate of carrier-mediated AA uptake by mouse colon than jejunum. This was associated with a significantly lower level of expression of SVCT-1 and SVCT-2 at the protein, mRNA, and heterogeneous nuclear RNA (hnRNA) levels in the colon than the jejunum, implying the involvement of transcriptional mechanism(s). Similarly, expression levels of SVCT-1 and SVCT-2 mRNA and hnRNA were significantly lower in human colon. We also examined the levels of expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α and specificity protein 1, which drive transcription of the Slc23a1 and Slc23a2 promoters, respectively, and found them to be markedly lower in the colon. Furthermore, significantly lower levels of the activating markers for histone (H3) modifications [H3 trimethylation of lysine 4 (H3K4me3) and H3 triacetylation of lysine 9 (H3K9ac)] were observed in the Slc23a1 and Slc23a2 promoters in the colon. These findings show, for the first time, that SVCT-1 and SVCT-2 are differentially expressed along the intestinal tract and that this pattern of expression is, at least in part, mediated via transcriptional/epigenetic mechanisms. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our findings show, for the first time, that transporters of the water-soluble vitamin ascorbic acid (i.e., the vitamin C transporters SVCT-1 and SVCT-2) are differentially expressed along the length of the intestinal tract and that the pattern of expression is mediated, at least in part, by transcriptional and epigenetic mechanism(s) affecting both Slc23a1 and Slc23a2 genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) ions are involved in many vital physiological functions. Since dietary intake is the only source of minerals for the body, intestinal absorption is essential for normal homeostatic levels. The aim of this study was to characterize the absorption of Ca2+ as well as Mg2+ along the gastrointestinal tract at a molecular and functional level. In both humans and mice the Ca2+ channel transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 6 (TRPV6) is expressed in the proximal intestinal segments, whereas Mg2+ channel transient receptor potential melastatin subtype 6 (TRPM6) is expressed in the distal parts of the intestine. A method was established to measure the rate of Mg2+ absorption from the intestine in a time-dependent manner by use of 25Mg2+. In addition, local absorption of Ca2+ and Mg2+ in different segments of the intestine of mice was determined by using surgically implanted intestinal cannulas. By these methods, it was demonstrated that intestinal absorption of Mg2+ is regulated by dietary needs in a vitamin D-independent manner. Also, it was shown that at low luminal concentrations, favoring transcellular absorption, Ca2+ transport mainly takes place in the proximal segments of the intestine, whereas Mg2+ absorption predominantly occurs in the distal part of the gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin D treatment of mice increased serum Mg2+ levels and 24-h urinary Mg2+ excretion, but not intestinal absorption of 25Mg2+. Segmental cannulation of the intestine and time-dependent absorption studies using 25Mg2+ provide new ways to study intestinal Mg2+ absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms and regulation of water-soluble vitamin (WSV) transport in the large intestine and pancreas, two important organs of the digestive system that have only recently received their fair share of attention. WSV, a group of structurally unrelated compounds, are essential for normal cell function and development and, thus, for overall health and survival of the organism. Humans cannot synthesize WSV endogenously; rather, WSV are obtained from exogenous sources via intestinal absorption. The intestine is exposed to two sources of WSV: a dietary source and a bacterial source (i.e., WSV generated by the large intestinal microbiota). Contribution of the latter source to human nutrition/health has been a subject of debate and doubt, mostly based on the absence of specialized systems for efficient uptake of WSV in the large intestine. However, recent studies utilizing a variety of human and animal colon preparations clearly demonstrate that such systems do exist in the large intestine. This has provided strong support for the idea that the microbiota-generated WSV are of nutritional value to the host, and especially to the nutritional needs of the local colonocytes and their health. In the pancreas, WSV are essential for normal metabolic activities of all its cell types and for its exocrine and endocrine functions. Significant progress has also been made in understanding the mechanisms involved in the uptake of WSV and the effect of chronic alcohol exposure on the uptake processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NHE8, the newest member of the sodium/hydrogen exchanger family, is expressed in the epithelial cells of the intestine and the kidney. Intestinal expression of NHE8 is significantly higher than that of NHE2 and NHE3 at a young age, suggesting that NHE8 is an important player for intestinal sodium absorption during early development. The current study was designed to explore if NHE8 plays a compensatory role for the loss of NHE2 and NHE3 function in NHE2X3 double-knockout (NHE2X3 DKO) mice. We further explored the regulatory mechanism(s) responsible for the change in NHE8 expression in NHE2X3 DKO mice. We found that >95% of NHE2X3 DKO mice survived through weanling. However, only 60% of male NHE2X3 DKO mice and 88% of female NHE2X3 DKO mice survived to 6 wk of life. We also found that the expression of NHE8 in wild-type female mice was higher compared with wild-type male mice after puberty. In NHE2X3 KDO mice, NHE8 expression was increased in females but not in males. Using Caco-2 cells as a model of the small intestine, we showed that testosterone inhibited endogenous NHE8 expression by reducing NHE8 mRNA synthesis, whereas estrogen had no effect on NHE8 expression. Thus our data show for the first time that intestinal NHE8 has a compensatory role in NHE2X3 DKO mice and this regulation is gender-dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water-soluble vitamin biotin is essential for normal cellular functions and its deficiency leads to a variety of clinical abnormalities. Mammals obtain biotin from exogenous sources via intestinal absorption, a process mediated by the sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter (SMVT). Chronic alcohol use in humans is associated with a significant reduction in plasma biotin levels, and animal studies have shown inhibition in intestinal biotin absorption by chronic alcohol feeding. Little, however, is known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the inhibition in intestinal biotin transport by chronic alcohol use. These mechanisms were investigated in this study by using rats and transgenic mice carrying the human full-length SLC5A6 5′-regulatory region chronically fed alcohol liquid diets; human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells chronically exposed to alcohol were also used as models. The results showed chronic alcohol feeding of rats to lead to a significant inhibition in carrier-mediated biotin transport events across jejunal brush border and basolateral membrane domains. This inhibition was associated with a significant reduction in level of expression of the SMVT protein, mRNA, and heterogenous nuclear RNA. Chronic alcohol feeding also inhibited carrier-mediated biotin uptake in rat colon. Studies with transgenic mice confirmed the above findings and further showed chronic alcohol feeding significantly inhibited the activity of SLC5A6 5′-regulatory region. Finally, chronic exposure of Caco-2 cells to alcohol led to a significant decrease in the activity of both promoters P1 and P2 of the human SLC5A6 gene. These studies identify for the first time the cellular and molecular parameters of the intestinal biotin absorptive processes that are affected by chronic alcohol feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of Niemann-Pick C1 Like-1 (NPC1L1) protein in intestinal absorption of dietary sterols, including both cholesterol and phytosterols, is well documented. However, the exact mechanism by which NPC1L1 facilitates cholesterol transport remains controversial. This study administered 22-(N(-7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino)-23,24-bisnor-5-cholen-3β-ol (NBD-cholesterol) and [³H]cholesterol to Npc1l1+/+ and Npc1l1-/- mice to determine whether NPC1L1 facilitates dietary sterol uptake by enterocytes and/or participates in intracellular sterol delivery to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for lipoprotein assembly before secretion into plasma circulation. Results showed that [³H]cholesterol absorption was reduced but not abolished in Npc1l1-/- mice compared with Npc1l1+/+ mice. In the presence of Pluronic L-81 to block pre-chylomicron exit from the ER, significant amounts of [3H]cholesterol were found to be associated with lipid droplets in the intestinal mucosa of both Npc1l1+/+ and Npc1l1-/- mice, and the intracellular [&x00B3;H]cholesterol can be esterified to cholesteryl esters. These results provided evidence indicating that the main function of NPC1L1 is to promote cholesterol uptake from the intestinal lumen but that it is not necessary for intracellular cholesterol transport to the ER. Surprisingly, NBD-cholesterol was taken up by intestinal mucosa, esterified to NBD-cholesteryl esters, and transported to plasma circulation to similar extent between Npc1l1+/+ and Npc1l1-/- mice. Ezetimibe treatment also had no impact on NBD-cholesterol absorption by Npc1l1+/+ mice. Thus, NBD-cholesterol absorption proceeds through an NPC1L1-independent and ezetimibe-insensitive sterol absorption mechanism. Taken together, these results indicate that NBD-cholesterol can be used to trace the alternative cholesterol absorption pathway but is not suitable for tracking NPC1L1-mediated cholesterol absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thiamin is essential for normal cellular functions, and its deficiency leads to a variety of clinical abnormalities. Humans and other mammals obtain the vitamin via intestinal absorption. The intestine is exposed to two sources of thiamin, a dietary and a bacterial (i.e., normal microflora of the large intestine) source. Chronic alcohol consumption is associated with thiamin deficiency, which is caused (in part) by inhibition in intestinal thiamin absorption. However, little is known about the physiological and molecular aspects of the intestinal thiamin uptake process that are affected by chronic alcohol use. To address these issues, we used rats fed an alcohol-liquid diet and human intestinal epithelial HuTu-80 cells chronically exposed to ethanol as model systems. The results showed that chronic alcohol feeding to rats led to a significant inhibition in carrier-mediated thiamin transport across both the jejunal brush-border membrane and basolateral membrane domains. This was associated with a significant reduction in level of expression of thiamin transporter-1 (THTR-1), but not THTR-2, at the protein and mRNA levels. Level of expression of the heterogenous nuclear RNA of THTR-1 in the intestine of alcohol-fed rats was also decreased compared with their pair-fed controls. Chronic alcohol feeding also caused a significant inhibition in carrier-mediated thiamin uptake in rat colon. Studies with HaTu-80 cells chronically exposed to ethanol also showed a significant inhibition in carrier-mediated thiamin uptake. This inhibition was associated with a reduction in level of expression of human THTR-1 and THTR-2 at the protein, mRNA, and transcriptional (promoter activity) levels. These studies demonstrate that chronic alcohol feeding inhibits intestinal thiamin absorption via inhibition of the individual membrane transport event across the polarized absorptive epithelial cells. Furthermore, the inhibition is, at least in part, mediated via transcriptional mechanism(s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have demonstrated that apical Na-bile acid cotransport (ASBT) is inhibited during chronic ileitis by both a decrease in the affinity as well as a decrease in the number of cotransporters. Methyiprednisolone (MP), a commonly used treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, e.g., Crohn's disease), has been shown to reverse the inhibition of several other Na-solute cotransporters during chronic enteritis. However, the effect of MP on ASBT in the chronically inflamed ileum is not known. MP stimulated ASBT in villus cells from the normal rabbit ileum by increasing the cotransporter expression without a change in the affinity of the cotransporter for bile acid. Western blot studies demonstrated an increase in cotransporter expression. MP reversed the inhibition of ASBT in villus cells from the chronically inflamed ileum. Kinetic studies demonstrated that the mechanism of MP-mediated reversal of ASBT inhibition was secondary to a restoration of both affinity as well as cotransporter numbers. Western blot analysis demonstrated restoration of cotransporter numbers after MP treatment of rabbits with chmnic ileitis. Thus MP stimulates ASBT in the normal ileum by increasing cotransporter numbers. MP reverses the inhibition of ASBT during chronic ileitis. However, MP restores the diminished affinity as well as cotransporter expression levels during chronic ileitis. Thus MP differentially regulates ASBT in the normal and in the chronically inflamed ileum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bile acid sequestrants have been shown to lower glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. To investigate how colesevelam (CL) HCI improves hyperglycemia, studies were conducted in diet-induced obesity (F-DIO) rats, which develop insulin resistance when fed a high-energy (high fat/high sucrose) diet (HE). The rats were fed HE; HE + 2% CL; HE + 0.02% SC-435 (SC), an apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter inhibitor; and regular chow (controls). After 4 wk of treatment, both in the HE group and the SC + HE group, plasma glucose and insulin levels remained elevated compared with baseline values throughout an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). In contrast, in the CL + HE group, plasma glucose levels returned to baseline by the end of the test, and insulin peaked in 15-30 mm and then returned to baseline. CL induced release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) because the area under the curve of plasma total GLP-l in the CL + HE group was significantly greater than in the HE group during the OGTT. Bile acid concentrations in the portal blood did not decrease in the HE group but declined significantly both in the CL + HE and SC + HE groups with reduced farnesoid X receptor activation compared with controls. We concluded that CL reduces plasma glucose levels by improving insulin resistance in this rat model. It is unlikely that the improvement is attributable to decreased bile acid flux to the liver but is likely secondary to induced GLP-1 secretion, which improves insulin release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfasalazine is characterized by low intestinal absorption, which essentially enables its colonic targeting and therapeutic action. The mechanisms behind this low absorption have not yet been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of efflux transporters in the intestinal absorption of sulfasalazine as a potential mechanism for its low small-intestinal absorption and colonic targeting following oral administration. The effects of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2), and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) inhibitors on sulfasalazine bidirectional permeability were studied across Caco-2 cell monolayers, including dose-response analysis. Sulfasalazine in vivo permeability was then investigated in the rat jejunum by single-pass perfusion, in the presence vs. absence of inhibitors. Sulfasalazine exhibited 19-fold higher basolateral-to-apical (BL-AP) than apical-to-basolateral (AP-BL) Caco-2 permeability, indicative of net mucosal secretion. MRP2 inhibitors (MK-571 and indomethacin) and BCRP inhibitors [fumitremorgin C (FTC) and pantoprazolel significantly increased AP-BL and decreased BL-AP sulfasalazine Caco-2 transport in a concentration-dependent manner. No effect was observed with the P-gp inhibitors verapamil and quinidine. The IC50 values of the specific MRP2 and BCRP inhibitors MK-571 and FTC on sulfasalazine secretion were 21.5 and 2.0 μM, respectively. Simultaneous inhibition of MRP2 and BCRP completely abolished sulfasalazine Caco-2 efflux. Without inhibitors, sulfasalazine displayed low (vs. metoprolol) in vivo intestinal permeability in the rat model. MK-571 or FTC significantly increased sulfasalazine permeability, bringing it to the low-high permeability boundary. With both MK-571 and FTC present, sulfasalazine displayed high permeability. In conclusion, efflux transport mediated by MRP2 and BCRP, but not P-gp, shifts sulfasalazine permeability from high to low, thereby enabling its colonic targeting and therapeutic action. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of intestinal efflux acting in favor of oral drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary phytosterols inhibit intestinal cholesterol absorption and regulate whole body cholesterol excretion and balance. However, they are biochemically heterogeneous anda portion is glycosylated in some foods with unknown effects on biological activity. We tested the hypothesis that phytosterol glycosides reduce cholesterol absorption in humans. Phytosterol glycosides were extracted and purified from soy lecithin in a novel two-step process. Cholesterol absorption was measured in a series of three single-meal tests given at intervals of 2 wk to each of 11 healthy subjects. In a randomized crossover design, participants received ∼300 mg of added phytosterols in the form of phytosterol glycosides or phytosterol esters, or placebo in a test breakfast also containing 30 mg cholesterol-d7. Cholesterol absorption was estimated by mass spectrometry of plasma cholesterol-d7 enrichment 4-5 days after each test. Compared with the placebo test, phytosterol glycosides reduced cholesterol absorption by 37.6 ± 4.8% (P < 0.0001) and phytosterol esters 30.6 ± 3.9% (P = 0.0001). These results suggest that natural phytosterol glycosides purified from lecithin are bioactive in humans and should be included in methods of phytosterol analysis and tables of food phytosterol content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphate homeostasis is critical for many physiological functions. Up to 85% of phosphate is stored in bone and teeth. The remaining 15% is distributed in cells. Phosphate absorption across the brush-border membrane (BBM) of enterocytes occurs mainly via a sodium-dependent pathway, which is mediated by type lib sodium-phosphate cotransporters (NaPi-IIb). Patients of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) suffer not only from diarrhea and nutrient malabsorption but also from bone loss. About 3 1-59% of patients with IBD develop bone disorders. Since the intestine is a primary location for dietary phosphate absorption, it is logical to postulate that there is an inverse relationship between gastrointestinal disorders and phosphate transport, which, in turn, contributes to bone disorders observed in patients with IBD. Phosphate absorption and NaPi-IIb expression was studied with BBM vesicles isolated from trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) animals as well as in Caco-2 cells. The mechanism of TNF-α downregulation of NaPi-IIb expression was investigated by luciferase assay, gel mobility shift assay (GMSA), and coimmunoprecipitation. Intestinal phosphate absorption mediated by NaPi-IIb was reduced both in TNBS colitis and in TNF-α-treated cells. Transient transfection indicated that TNF-α inhibits NaPi-IIb expression by reducing NaPi-IIb basal promoter activity. GMSAs identified NFl protein as an important factor in TNF-α-mediated NaPi-IIb, downregulation. Signaling transduction study and coimmunoprecipitation suggested that TNF-α interacts with EGF receptor to activate ERK1/2 pathway. Intestinal phosphate absorption mediated by NaPi-lIb protein is reduced in colitis. This inhibition is mediated by the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α through a novel molecular mechanism involving TNF-α/EGF receptor interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yamaguchi N, Miyamoto S, Ogura Y, Goda T, Suruga K. Hepatocyte nuclear factor-4a regulates human cellular retinol-binding protein type II gene expression in intestinal cells. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 296: G524-G533, 2009. First published January 15, 2009; doi: 10.1152/ajpgi.90469.2008.-Cellular retinolbinding protein type II (CRBPII) is abundantly expressed in the small intestinal enterocytes of many vertebrates and plays important physiological roles in intestinal absorption, transport, and metabolism of vitamin A. In the present study, we investigated regulation of human CRBPII gene expression using human intestinal Caco-2 BBe cells. We found that the human CRBPII gene contained a direct repeat 1 (DR-l)-iike nuclear receptor response element in the proximal promoter region and that endogenous hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α (HNF-4cs) was a major transcription factor binding to the DR-1-like element. Cotransfection of HNF-4α expression vector transactivated the human CRBPII gene promoter activity, whereas mutation of the DR-i-like element abolished the promoter activity. Stably transfected Caco-2 BBe cells overexpressing HNF-4α significantly increased endogenous CRBPII gene expression and retinyl ester synthesis. Reduction of HNF-4α protein levels by HNF-4α small interference RNA decreased CRBPII gene expression. Caco-2 BBe cells treated with phorbol l2-myristate 13-acetate, a protein kinase C activator, decreased nuclear HNF-4α protein level and binding activity to the human CRBPII gene DR-i-like element, as well as CRBPII gene expression. Moreover, nuclear HNF-4α protein levels, HNF-4α protein binding to human CRBPII DR-i-like elements, and CRBPII gene expression level were coordinately increased during Caco-2 BBe cell differentiation. These results suggest that HNF-4α is an important transcriptional factor that regulates human CRBPII gene expression and provide the possibility for a novel function of HNF-4α in the regulation of human intestinal vitamin A absorption and metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monocarboxylate transporter (MCT1) plays an important role in the absorption of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) such as butyrate in the human colon. Previous studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that phorbol ester, PMA (1 μM, 24 h), upregulates butyrate transport and MCTI protein expression in human intestinal Caco-2 cells. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the transcriptional regulation of MCT1 gene expression by PMA in the intestine are not known. In the present study, we showed that PMA (0.1 p.M. 24 h) increased the MCT1 promoter activity (-871/+91) by approximately fourfold. A corresponding increase in MCT1 mRNA abundance in response to PMA was also observed. PMA-induced stimulation of MCT1 promoter activity was observed as early as 1 h and persisted until 24 h, suggesting that the effects of PMA are attributable to initial PKC activation. Kinase inhibitor and phosphorylation studies indicated that these effects may be mediated through activation of the atypical PKC-ζ isoform. 5′-deletion studies demonstrated that the MCT1 core promoter region (-2291+91) is the PMA-responsive region. Site-directed mutagenesis studies showed the predominant involvement of potential activatoI protein 2 (AP2) binding site in the activation of MCT1 promoter activity by PMA. In addition, overexpression of AP2 in Caco-2 cells significantly increased MCT 1 promoter activity in a dose-dependent manner. These findings showing the regulation of MCTI promoter by PKC and AP2 are of significant importance for an understanding of the molecular regulation of SCFA absorption in the human intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

-Aldosterone-induced intestinal Na[sup+] absorption is mediated by increased activities of apical membrane Na[sup+]/H[sup+] exchange (aNHE3) and basolateral membrane Na[sup+]-K[sup+]- ATPase (BLM-Na[sup+]-K[sup+]-ATPase) activities. Because the processes coordinating these events were not well understood, we investigated human intestinal Caco-2BBE cells where aldosterone increases within 2-4 h of aNHE3 and a-subunit of BLM-Na[sup+]-K[sup+]-ATPase, but not total abundance of these proteins. Although aldosterone activated Akt2 and serum glucorticoid kinase-1 (SGK-1), the latter through stimulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), only the SGK-1 pathway mediated its effects on Na[sup+]-K[sup+]-ATPase. Ouabain inhibition of the early increase in aldosterone-induced Na[sup+]-K[sup+]-ATPase activation blocked most of the apical NHE3 insertion, possibly by inhibiting Na[sup+]-K[sup+]-ATPase-induced changes in intracellular sodium concentra- tion ([Na]1). Over the next 6-48 h, further increases in aNHE3 and BLM-Na[sup+]-K[sup+]-ATPase activity and total protein expression were observed to be largely mediated by aldosterone-activated SGK-1 pathway. Aldosterone-induced increases in NHE3 mRNA, for instance, could be inhibited by RNA silencing of SGK-1, but not Akt2. Additionally, aldosterone-induced increases in NHE3 promoter activity were blocked by silencing SGK-1 as well as pharmacological inhibition of PI3K. In conclusion, aldosterone-stimulated intestinal Na[sup+] absorption involves two phases. The first phase involves stimulation of PI3K, which increases SGK-dependent insertion and function of BLM-Na[sup+]-K[sup+]-ATPase and subsequent increased membrane insertion of aNHE3. The latter may be caused by Na[sup+]-K[sup+]-ATPase-induced changes in [Na] or transcellular Na flux. The second phase involves SOK-dependent increases in total NHE3 and Na[sup+]-K[sup+]-ATPase protein expression and activities. The coordination of apical and BLM transporters after aldosterone stimulation is therefore a complex process that requires multiple time- and interdependent cellular processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing evidence suggests that the small intestine may contribute to excessive postprandial lipemia, which is highly prevalent in insulin-resistantl Type 2 diabetic individuals and substantially increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of high glucose levels on intestinal cholesterol absorption, cholesterol transporter expression, enzymes controlling cholesterol homeostasis, and the status of transcription factors. To this end, we employed highly differentiated and polarized cells (20 days of culture), plated on permeable polycarbonate filters. In the presence of [[sup14]C]cholesterol, glucose at 25 mM stimulated cholesterol uptake compared with Caco-2/15 cells supplemented with 5 mM glucose (P < 0.04). Because combination of 5 mM glucose with 20mM of the structurally related mannitol or sorbitol did not change cholesterol uptake, we conclude that extracellular glucose concentration is uniquely involved in the regulation of intestinal cholesterol transport. The high concentration of glucose enhanced the protein expression of the critical cholesterol transporter NPC1L1 and that of CD36 (P < 0.02) and concomitantly decreased SR-BI protein mass (P < 0.02). No significant changes were observed in the protein expression of ABCA1 and ABCG8, which act as efflux pumps favoring cholesterol export out of absorptive cells. At the same time, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase activity was decreased (P < 0.007), whereas ACAT activity remained unchanged. Finally, increases were noted in the transcription factors LXR-α, LXR-β, PPAR-β, and PPAR--γ along with a drop in the protein expression of SREBP-2. Collectively, our data indicate that glucose at high concentrations may regulate intestinal cholesterol transport and metabolism in Caco-2/15 cells, thus suggesting a potential influence on the cholesterol absorption process in Type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an important incretin produced in the L cells of the intestine. It is essential in the regulation of insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis. Systemic GLP-1 concentrations are typically low in rodents, so it can be difficult to assay physiological levels or detect changes in response to nutrients. We have established a method of assaying GLP-1 in response to nutrients using the intestinal lymph fistula model. Intraduodenal infusion of Intralipid (4.43 kcal/3 ml) induced a significant increase of lymphatic GLP-1 concentration compared with saline control at the peak of 30 mm. (P < 0.001). Isocaloric and isovolumetric treatment with dextrin, a glucose polymer, also caused a significant fourfold increase in peak concentration at 60 mm (P = 0.001). These findings indicate that intestinal lymph contains high concentrations of postprandial GLP- 1. Second, they reveal that GLP-1 secretion into lymph occurs in response to both enteral carbohydrate and fat, but the response to dextrin occurs later than to Intralipid with peak times at 60 and 30 mm, respectively. Third, the combination of Intralipid plus dextrin demonstrated an additive effect in the stimulation of GLP-1 with peak at 30 mm. These results indicate that assessment of levels in lymph is a novel and powerful means of studying the secretion of GLP- 1 and potentially other gastrointestinal hormones in vivo. Furthermore, the lymph fistula rat model provides insight into the gut hormone concentrations to which the neurons and cells in the lamina propria of the gut are likely exposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)23 is a phosphaturic hormone that decreases circulating 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] and elicits hypophosphatemia, both of which contribute to rickets/osteomalacia. It has been shown recently that serum FGF23 increases after treatment with renal 1,25(OH)2D3 hormone, suggesting that 1,25(OH)2D3 negatively feedback controls its levels by inducing FGF23. To establish the tissue of origin and the molecular mechanism by which 1,25(OH)2D3 increases circulating FGF23, we administered 1,25(OH)2D3 to C57BL/6 mice. Within 24 h, these mice displayed a dramatic elevation in serum immunoreactive FGF23, and the expression of FGF23 mRNA in bone was significantly upregulated by 1,25(OH)2D3, but there was no effect in several other tissues. Furthermore, we treated rat UMR-106 osteoblast-like cells with 1,25(OH)2D3, and real-time PCR analysis revealed a dose- and time-dependent stimulation of FGF23 mRNA concentrations. The maximum increase in FGF23 mRNA was 1,024-fold at 10-7 M 1,25(OH)2D3 after 24-h treatment, but statistically significant differences were observed as early as 4 h after 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment. In addition, using cotreatment with actinomycin D or cycloheximide, we observed that 1,25(OH)2D3 regulation of FGF23 gene expression occurs at the transcriptional level, likely via the nuclear vitamin D receptor, and is dependent on synthesis of an intermediary transfactor. These results indicate that bone is a major site of FGF23 expression and source of circulating FGF23 after 1,25(OH)2D3 administration or physiological upregulation. Our data also establish FGF23 induction by 1,25(OH)2D3 in osteoblasts as a feedback loop between these two hormones that completes a kidney-intestine-bone axis that mediates phosphate homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Na-nutrient cotransport processes are not only important for the assimilation of essential nutrients but also for the absorption of Na in the mammalian small intestine. The effect of constitutive nitric oxide (cNO) on Na-glucose (SGLT-1) and Na-amino acid cotransport (NAcT) in the mammalian small intestine is unknown. Inhibition of cNO synthase with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) resulted in the inhibition of Na-stimulated ³H-O-methyl-D-glucose uptake in villus cells. However, Na-stimulated alanine uptake was not affected in these cells. The L-NAME-induced reduction in SGLT-1 in villus cells was not secondary to an alteration in basolateral membrane Na-K-ATPase activity, which provides the favorable Na gradient for this cotransport process. In fact, SGLT-1 was inhibited in villus cell brush-border membrane (BBM) vesicles prepared from animals treated with L-NAME. Kinetic studies demonstrated that the mechanism of inhibition of SGLT-1 was secondary to a decrease in the affinity for glucose without a change in the maximal rate of uptake of glucose. Northern blot studies demonstrated no change in the mRNA levels of SGLT-1. Western blot studies demonstrated no significant change in the immunoreactive protein levels of SGLT-1 in ileal villus cell BBM from L-NAME-treated rabbits. These studies indicate that inhibition of cNO production inhibits SGLT-1 but not NAcT in the rabbit small intestine. Therefore, whereas cNO promotes Na-glucose cotransport, it does not affect NAcT in the mammalian small intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated in rats if hydroxycitric acid (HCA) reduces the postprandial glucose response by affecting gastric emptying or intestinal glucose absorption. We compared the effect of regulator HCA (310 mg/kg) and vehicle (control) on the glucose response after an intragastric or intraduodenal glucose load to investigate the role of altered gastric emptying. Steele's one-compartment model was used to investigate the effect of HCA on systemic glucose appearance after an intraduodenal glucose load, using [U-13C]-labeled glucose and D-[6,6-²H2]-labeled glucose. Because an effect on postabsorptive glucose clearance could not be excluded, the effect of HCA on the appearance of enterally administered glucose in small intestinal tissue, liver, and portal and systemic circulation was determined by [U-14C]glucose infusion. Data show that HCA treatment delays the intestinal absorption of enterally administered glucose at the level of the small intestinal mucosa in rats. HCA strongly attenuated postprandial blood glucose levels after both intragastric (P < 0.01) and intraduodenal (P < 0.001) glucose administration, excluding a major effect of HCA on gastric emptying. HCA delayed the systemic appearance of exogenous glucose but did not affect the total fraction of glucose absorbed over the study period of 150 min. HCA treatment decreased concentrations of [U-14C]glucose in small intestinal tissue at 15 min after [U-14C]glucose administration (P < 0.05), in accordance with the concept that HCA delays the enteral absorption of glucose. These data support a possible role for HCA as food supplement in lowering postprandial glucose profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Before cholesterol and fatty acid molecules in the small intestinal lumen can interact with their possible transporters for uptake and absorption, they must pass through a diffusion barrier, which may modify the kinetics of nutrient assimilation. This barrier includes an unstirred water layer and a surface mucous coat, which is located at the intestinal lumen-membrane interface. In the present study, we investigated whether disruption of the mucin gene (Muc)1 may influence intestinal uptake and absorption of cholesterol and fatty acid in male Muc1-/- mice. The wild-type mice displayed relatively high levels of Muc1, Muc2, Muc3, and Muc4 mRNAs and relatively low levels of Muc5ac and Muc5b mRNAs in the small intestine. The absence of Muc1 mRNA and protein in the small intestines of Muc1-/- mice confirmed complete knockout of the Muc1 gene, but the mRNA expression for other mucin genes remained unchanged. Intestinal uptake and absorption of cholesterol but not palmitic acid were significantly reduced in Muc1-/- mice compared with the wild-type mice. However, knockout of the Muc1 gene did not impair either expression levels of the genes that encode intestinal sterol efflux transporters Abcg5 and Abcg8 and fatty acid transporter Fatp4 or small intestinal transit rams. We conclude that physiological levels of the epithelial mucin produced by the Muc1 gene are necessary for normal intestinal uptake and absorption of cholesterol in mice. Our study implies that because cholesterol absorption efficiency is reduced by ∼50% in Muc1-deficient mice, there may be one or more additional pathways for cholesterol absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurotensin (NT), a hormone released from intestine by ingested fat, facilitates lipid digestion by stimulating pancreatic secretion and slowing the movement of chyme. In addition, NT can contract the gall bladder and enhance the enterohepatic circulation (EHC) of bile acids to promote micelle formation. Our recent finding that NT enhanced and an NT antagonist inhibited [³H]taurocholate ([³H]TC) absorption from proximal rat small intestine indicated a role for endogenous NT in the regulation of EHC. Here, we postulate the involvement of intestinal mast cells in the TC uptake process and in the stimulatory effect of NT. In anesthetized rats with the bile duct cannulated for bile collection, infusion of NT (10 pmol·kg-1·min-1) enhanced the [³H]TC recovery rate from duodenojejunum by 2.2-fold. This response was abolished by pretreatment with mast cell stabilizers (cromoglycate, doxantrazole) and inhibitors of mast cell mediators (diphenhydramine, metergoline, zileuton). In contrast, mast cell degranulators (compound 48/80, substance P) and mast cell mediators (histamine, leukotriene C4) reproduced the effect of NT. NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester enhanced and L-arginine inhibited basal and NT-induced TC uptake, consistent with the known inhibitory effect of nitric oxide (NO) on mast cell reactivity. These results argue that basal and NT-stimulated TC uptake in rat jejunum are similarly dependent on mast cells, are largely mediated by release of mast cell mediators, and are subject to regulation by NO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate expression and relative contribution of human thiamin transporter (hTHTR)-2 toward overall carrier-mediated thiamin uptake by human intestinal epithelial cells. Northern blot analysis showed that the message of the hTHTR-2 is expressed along the native human gastrointestinal tract with highest expression being in the proximal part of small intestine, hTHTR-2 protein was found, by Western blot analysis, to be expressed at the brush-border membrane (BBM), but not at the basolateral membrane, of native human enterocytes. This pattern of expression was confirmed in studies using a fusion protein of hTHTR-2 with the enhanced green fluorescent protein (hTHTR2-EGFP) expressed in living Caco-2 cells grown on filter. Pretreating Caco-2 cells (which also express the hTHTR-2 at RNA and protein levels) with hTHTR-2 gene-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) led to a significant (P < 0.01) and specific inhibition (48%) in carrier-mediated thiamin uptake. Similarly, pretreating Caco-2 cells with siRNA that specifically target hTHTR-1 (which is expressed in Caco-2 cells) also significantly (P < 0.01) and specifically inhibited (by 56%) carrier-mediated thiamin uptake. When Caco-2 cells were pretreated with siRNAs against both hTHTR-2 and hTHTR-1 genes, an almost complete inhibition in carrier-mediated thiamin uptake was observed. These results show that the message of hTHTR-2 is expressed along the human gastrointestinal tract and that expression of its protein in intestinal epithelia is mainly localized to the apical BBM domain. In addition, results show that this transporter plays a significant role in carrier-mediated thiamin uptake in human intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The guinea pig ileum responds to distension with characteristic wall movements, luminal pressure gradients, and outflow (the peristaltic reflex). To date, little is known about whether the peristaltic reflex generates flow events other than laminar flow. Here we used a numerical method to solve for the flow generated by moving walls to assess occlusive contractions (case 1), nonocclusive contractions (case 2), and contractions with steep shoulders (case 3) for which visual parameters of wall movements are published. We found that all three contraction cases produced pressure differentials across the coapting segment, downstream and reverse flow, and vortical flow patterns that redistributed particles and mixed liquids. Contractions generated pressures and shear stresses, particularly along the moving section of the wall. The nonocclusive contraction was much less effective than the occlusive contraction with the steep shoulders; the occlusive contraction with flat shoulders had an intermediate effect. Our analysis shows that even peristaltic contractions produce not only laminar flow but also many flow events likely to promote digestion and absorption. The visual patterns of contractions impact the patterns of luminal flow, and precise definition of wall movements is critical to quantify the fluid mechanical consequences of intestinal contractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Release of iron from enterocytes and hepatocytes is thought to require the copper-dependent ferroxidase activity of hephaestin (Hp) and ceruloplasmin (Cp), respectively. In swine, copper deficiency (CD) impairs iron absorption, but whether this occurs in rats is unclear. By feeding a diet deficient in copper, CD was produced, as evidenced by the loss of copper-dependent plasma ferroxidase I activity, and in enterocytes, CD reduced copper levels and copper-dependent oxidase activity. Hematocrit was reduced, and liver iron was doubled. CD reduced duodenal mucosal iron and ferritin, whereas CD increased iron absorption. Duodenal mucosal DMT1-IRE and ferroportin1 expression remained constant with CD. When absorption in CD rats was compared with that seen normally and in iron-deficient anemic animals, strong correlations were found among mucosal iron, ferritin, and iron absorption, suggesting that the level of iron absorption was appropriate given that the erythroid and stores stimulators of iron absorption are opposed in CD. Because CD reduced the activity of Cp, as evidenced by copper-dependent plasma ferroxidase I activity and hepatocyte iron accumulation, but iron absorption increased, it is unlikely that the ferroxidase activity of Hp is important and suggests another function for this protein in the export of iron from the enterocyte during iron absorption. Also, the copper-dependent ferroxidase activity of Cp does not appear important for iron efflux from macrophages, because Kupffer cells of the liver and nonheme iron levels of the spleen were normal during copper deficiency, suggesting another role for Cp in these cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the parental cell-line of caco-2 cells and the clones, BBe and TC7, to test the facilitated diffusion model of vitamin D-mediated intestinal calcium absorption. Well-differentiating clones of Caco-2; Calcium transport characteristics more reflective of mature, midvillus small intestinal epithelial cells; Identification of differences in calcium transport and vitamin-D induced gene expression.

Discusses a study which examined the diurnal rhythms of the intestinal absorption of small peptides and its molecular mechanism. Discussion on the degradative steps of dietary proteins; Materials and methods; Background on diurnal variations.

Examines the effect of thyroid hormone L-triiodothyronine (T sub3) on the activity and expression of oligopeptide transporter (PEPT1) in human intestinal Caco-2 cells. Factors that have been reported to upregulate the activity of PEPT1; Effect of T sub3 pretreatment concentration and time on [sup14 C]glycylsarcosine uptake in Caco-2 cells; Kinetic analysis of [sup14 C]glycylsarcosine uptake.

Focuses on a study which discussed the mechanism of the short-chain fatty acid butyrate transport in Caco-2 intestinal cells and the role of monocarboxylate transporter 1 on butyrate uptake. Methodology; Results; Conclusions.

Provides information on a study which determined the optimal level of enteral intake level necessary to increase the protein accretion rate in the small intestine of neonatal pigs. Materials and methods; Results; Discussion.

Explores the role of cholic acid on intestinal cholesterol absorption, hepatic cholesterol and bile salt (BS) synthesis as well as cholesterol gallstone formation using gallstone-susceptible C57L/J mice. Prevalence and characteristics of gallstones and mucin gel; Lipid compositions of gallbladder and hepatic biles; Bile flow and biliary lipid secretion rates.

Presents information on a study which analyzed whether insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) treatment was able to influence in vivo intestinal sugar absorption in experimental liver cirrhosis. Materials and methods; Results and discussion.

Provides information on a study which investigated how a novel structured triglyceride (STG), containing purely octanoic acid in the sn-1/sn-3 and [14C]linoleic acid in the sn-2 positions, was incorporated into different lipid classes in Caco-2 cells. Theoretical background; Materials and methods; Results and discussions.

Provides information on a study which demonstrated that physiological changes in blood glucose affect appetite and pyloric motility during intraduodenal lipid infusion. Theoretical background; Materials and methods; Discussions and conclusions.

Provides information on a study which determined the alterations in Na...-amino acid cotransport in chronically inflamed ileum produced by coccidial infection in rabbits. Theoretical background; Materials and methods; Discussions and conclusions.

Examines the influence of acidosis on hyperpermeability in Caco-2BBe cultured intestinal epithelial monolayers. Effect of hypercapnic acidosis on macromolecular permeability; Time course of the effect of acidosis; Influence of acidosis on cellular injury and viability of Caco-2BBe monolayers.

Investigates the effects of acidosis on nitric oxide (NO)-mediated adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion and barrier function in enterocytic monolayers and assesses the role of antioxidants in these phenomena. Effects of pH on NO-induced hyperpermeability; ATP and glutathione measurements; Influence of deferoxamine incubation on hyperpermeability of monolayers.

Defines the mechanism of intestinal absorption of dodecyl sulfate, an amphipathic organic anion whose chemical structure resembles that of dodecanoate, a C12 fatty acid anion. Fluid transport at steady state and during single-pass perfusion; Solutions for sacs or perfused jejunal segments.

Examines the effect of ileal transposition to the site of the proximal jejunum on the intestinal digestion, uptake and lymphatic transport of triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol. Determination of whether ileal transposition is associated with altered uptake of bile salts.