Relationship between sodium and glucose transport in canine jejunum

¹ George II. Scott Research Laboratory, Fairview Park Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio

The effect of varying rates of insorption and exsorption of sodium on glucose absorption in the jejunum was studied in 19 dogs. In the first part of the study, glucose absorption was followed in two solutions, similar in composition except for sodium concentrations. In one solution, Na concentration was 145 mEq/liter and in the other, 22 mEq/liter. Absorption tests were done before, during, and after periods of reduced gut blood flow. When blood flow was reduced, proportionate decreases were observed in all measurements. The effects of reducing blood flow complicated the analysis, yet a suggestion of a relationship between glucose absorption and sodium exsorption was noted. Reduced blood flow also produced or enhanced enterosorption of potassium. In the second portion of the study, blood flow to the gut was maintained constant while sodium exsorption was varied by decreasing the concentration of sodium in the plasma It was found that glucose absorption declined when sodium exsorption declined. Approximately 107 µmoles of glucose were absorbed per milliequivalent of sodium exsorbed. It was concluded that the level of plasma sodium and the amount of sodium exsorbed are factors involved in glucose absorption.

Key Words: sodium flux • glucose flux • jejunum, dog

Submitted on July 2, 1964