The Absorption of Certain Constituents of Urine from the Large Bowel of the Experimental Animal (Dog)

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Abstract
Studies were undertaken on 38 dogs in order to determine the reabsorption of the constitu''-ents of urine from the cecum and the transverse and descending colon. Following vesicocolic anastomosis there is good evidence that some chloride and nitrogenous constituents of urine are absorbed from the colon of the exptl. animal (dog). Blood uric acid concn. is reduced below normal. Serum CO2 combining power is depressed and remains at the lower limits of normal. Serum inorganic P remains within normal limits. The degree of absorption is directly proportional to the surface area of the involved bowel and the duration of contact with the contained urine. Absorption is probably most rapid from the cecum and adjacent colon, diminishing progressively to little or no absorption from the rectum. Diversion of the entire urinary stream into the cecum results in death of the animal with elevated blood non-protein N and signs of acute uremic intoxication. Following diversion of the entire urinary stream into the sigmoid colon the normal reserve of renal function permits compensation for absorption of nitrogenous compounds from reflux of urine into the adjacent bowel. This compensation is imperfect but not incompatible with life for long periods. The oblique course of the ureters through the bladder wall in the normal anatomical arrangement provides an effective valvular barrier to urinary stasis with its sequelae of hydronephrosis and pyelonephritis.