Oxidation-Reduction Potentials in Gecal Contents of Germfree and Conventional Rats.

Abstract

Summary Oxidation-reduction potentials in cecal contents of germfree rats were 250 to 300 mV more positive than in the contents of conventional animals. Treatment of germ-free rats with cecal contents from conventional rats showed that 4 hours later these animals demonstrated oxidation-reduction values comparable to those found in conventional rats. The more positive oxidation-reduction potential thus appears directly related to the absence of an intestinal micro-flora.