Studies on infant diarrhea. II. Absorption of glucose and net fluxes of water and sodium chloride in a segment of the jejunum.

Abstract

Electrolyte glucose solutions of varying concentrations were perfused through a 25cm segment of proximal jejunum in normal infants in those with diarrhea. Net fluxes of water glucose electrolytes were determined under equilibrium conditions. Patients with diarrhea had impaired absorption of glucose (159 [mu] moles/min.; control infants 351 m moles/min.). The net flux of water salt was dependent upon the proportion of glucose absorbed. Thus when the amount of nonabsorbed glucose was high water salt moved into the bowel. In the absence of glucose in the perfusate there was minimal net absorption of water NaCl in both patients controls. Net flux of water NaCl into the jejunum is determined by the effective osmotic pressure exerted by unabsorbed solute.