Sodium absorption with bacterial fatty acids and bile salts in the proximal and distal colon as a guide to colonic resection

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Abstract
Rates of Na absorption in the presence of bacterial fatty acids and bile salts are unknown along the length of the colon. Such information may guide resection of colon with a view to leaving colon most optimal for ion absorption. Absorption of Na and permeability of the [rat] colonic mucosa to 51Cr EDTA was measured in the proximal (PC) and distal colon (DC) instilled with NaCl (120 mM), n-butyrate (40 mM) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDC) (1 or 2 mM) in varying combinations. Na absorption in the PC was 123.6 .+-. 19 (nmoles/min per cm2) (n = 7) with saline alone and was doubled (P < 0.001) when 40 mM n-butyrate replaced Cl anions. Na absorption in the DC with saline alone was 106.9 .+-. 18 without significant alteration by addition of n-butyrate. CDC (1 mM) diminished Na absorption in the PC and DC. Diminished Na absorption induced by bile salts was significantly reversed by n-butyrate in the PC, but not DC. Permeability of 51Cr EDTA was greatest with 2 mM CDC in the distal colon. Mucosal function.sbd.Na absorption with SCFA [short chain fatty acids], permeability changes and protection by bacterial fatty acids from Na losses due to bile salts.sbd.was superior in the PC compared with DC. It may be preferable to preserve the proximal rather than distal colon in operations of the colon to secure optimal absorption of Na.