A study of the absorption of an elemental diet administered by continuous jejunal perfusion: the effect of the rate of perfusion and the concentration upon the absorption of the nutrients
Vidon, N.; Hecketsweiler, P.; Cortot, A.; Bernier, J.J.
Gastroenterologie Clinique et Biologique 1(3): 257-266
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0399-8320 PMID: 892305 Document Number: 110559
The mechanisms of jejunal absorption of an elemental diet were studied in a population of 30 normal, healthy subjects. The triple lumen tube perfusion method was used in this study. A nutrient solution of amino acids, glucose and polyglucose chains was perfused into the intestine at the level of the ligament of Treitz. Absorption measurements were done on 35, 70 and 105 cm lengths of jejunum. Carbohydrate absorption, in a given intestinal segment, increased in proportion to the quantity of carbohydrates perfused. The efficiency of this absorption decreased: for increased quantities of carbohydrates and in distal intestinal segments in comparison with proximal intestinal segments. In spite of endogenous proteins secretion, N2 was clearly absorbed in the first 35 cm below the point of infusion. The efficiency of the N2 absorption increased: in proportion to the quantity perfused and in proximal areas of the intestine in comparison with distal segments. For a constant amount of nutrients, the absorption was independent of the concentration (i.e., osmolarity) of the perfused solutions.