Cecal Enlargement Combined with Sodium Transport Stimulation in Rats Fed Polyethylene Glycol

Abstract

The organ enlargement and stimulation of solute–coupled water transport observed in the cecum of germfree rats can also be produced in conventional rats by adding polyethylene glycol 4000 to their drinking water. In these rats, the electrical potential difference across the cecal wall is increased during solute–coupled water flow. The structural and functional changes induced by polyethylene glycol are reversible and do not extend to the rest of the small intestine and the distal ileum.