The effect of splanchnic nerve stimulation on blood flow distribution, villous tissue osmolality and fluid and electrolyte transport in the small intestine of the cat

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Abstract
The effect of splanchnic nerve activation on intestinal fluid transport and intramural blood flow distribution was examined in the cat. Previous reports had demonstrated that splanchnic nerve activation increases fluid absorption. The mechanisms behind this effect were investigated. Results showed an increase in net Na+ and Cl- transport on splanchnic nerve activation whether intestinal blood flow decreased or not. The effect on Na+ transport was due to a decrease in lumen to tissue flux. The effect could not be explained by a decrease in local blood flow, as it was present despite constant blood flow in both the villous and crypt regions. No change was seen in the villous osmolality gradient on splanchnic nerve activation. The in vivo effect of splanchnic nerve activation is probably due to a decrease in fluid and electrolyte secretion which probably occurs in the intestinal crypts.