THE ENZYME ACTIVITY OF DOGS' INTESTINAL JUICE AND ITS RELATION TO INTESTINAL DIGESTION

Abstract

The enzyme content of jejunal and ileal juice obtained from Thiry loops was measured with respect to peptone, starch and sucrose digestion. The enzyme activity of intestinal juice was insufficient to account for the peptone, sucrose, and lactose apparently hydrolyzed during absorption of these substances from the loops, suggesting that digestion of these substances is a function of the mucosal cells rather than the juice. Starch was absorbed at a rate commensurate with the amylase content of the juice. Histamine, given subcutaneously, stimulated production of intestinal juice without increasing the absolute amount of enzymes present in the juice.