Influence of Obstructive Jaundice on Jejunal Absorption of Glucose, Electrolytes, and Vitamin A in Rats

Abstract

Jejunal absorption of glucose, electrolytes, andvitamin A was investigated in rats. A Tyrode solutioncontaining glucose, sodium, and potassium inconcentrations two and four times higher than usual was infused through the jejunal loops of jaundicedand control rats during 40 min. The glucose values inthe influx and effluent were not different during theexperiment time. However, the concentrations of sodium and potassium of the effluent decreasedwith concentrations twice normal. The osmotic pressureof the effluent was directly related to the electrolyticconcentration. When the perfusate fluid was four times higher, the differences between shamand jaundiced groups remained unchanged. The osmoticpressure means of the jaundiced group decreased duringthe experimental time. The absorption of vitamin A increased during the 40-min experiment timein the control rats. On the other hand, vitamin Aconcentration in the perfused lumen of the jaundicedgroup did not change over the time. These data indicate that obstructive jaundice has little influenceon glucose and electrolytes absorption, while vitamin Ais impaired by this condition.