Influence of β-mercaptoethylamine on Mucosal Uptake of59Fe by Intestine-irradiated Rats

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Abstract
A perfusion technique was used for the study of mucosal uptake of iron by the irradiated small intestine. The entire exteriorized jejunum and ileum were exposed to 1400 r, 1800 r alone, or 1800 r preceded by MEA (100 mg/kg I.P.). The decreases in mucosal uptake of 59Fe were similar in the above categories for the first three days. The mucosal uptake after MEA and 1800 r was much higher at all times after day 3 than in animals given 1400 r alone, but on a histological basis, the intestines of both irradiated groups were similar throughout a 20-day period after irradiation. Thus there is a difference between the rate of histological and physiological recovery in the two groups. The sham-irradiated controls with MEA showed 16 per cent mucosal uptake of iron one day after surgery, but returned to the control level three days later. The sham-irradiated controls without MEA showed 17 per cent mucosal uptake of iron one day after surgery, but did not return to the control level until six days later. The animals which had the aodominal surgery necessary for perfusion maintained a 9 per cent mucosal uptake over a 20-day period.