Abstract
Evidence concerning the underlying mechanisms of intestinal salt and H2O transport is accumulating. The role played by paracellular as well as cellular routes for transport and the different characteristics of the apical and basal cell membranes and their influence on overall transport are practically understood. Prospects for the biochemical manipulation of intestinal secretory processes underlying a number of diarrheal diseases in man are presented. Several hormones and metabolites are listed as having very specific actions relevant to ion secretion.