STIMULATION OF SODIUM AND WATER ABSORPTION BY SUCROSE IN THE RAT SMALL INTESTINE

Abstract

The absorption of Na, K, Cl, H2O and sugars from an isosmotic sucrose electrolyte solution was studied and compared with the absorption of these substances from an isosmotic glucose electrolyte solution and a mannitol electrolyte solution, by an in vivo perfusion technique in rat jejunum and ileum. The composition of the solutions was similar to the oral rehydrating solutions, currently in use for the treatment of acute diarrheal diseases. An isosmotic sucrose containing electrolyte solution induces a significantly greater Na, Cl and K absorption compared to glucose electrolyte solution H2O absorption is significantly less from the former solution probably due to osmotic drag of H2O into the lumen by the slowly absorbed fructose released from sucrose hydrolysis. Hyposmotic sucrose electrolyte solution is clinically useful for oral rehydration.