Effect of Dimethylsulfoxide on the Intestinal Sugar Transport.

Abstract

Summary The effect of DMSO upon intestinal transport of glucose, galactose, and 3-0-methylglucose was examined. If glucose or galactose are present in the lumen in high initial concentrations, DMSO enhances the rate of absorption, and also changes the kinetics of transport from a saturation type (typical for carrier-mediated transport) to a diffusion type. Intestinal absorption of 3-0-methylglucose is not influenced by DMSO. If the sugar absorption is primarily an active transport, DMSO does not enhance it. It is concluded that DMSO causes glucose and galactose to become sufficiently fat-soluble to bypass carrier mediation.