The effect of raising the concentration of potassium in the blood or intestinal lumen on the transport of potassium in the dog intestine

Abstract

Abstract The rates of transport of potassium, sodium and water across the intestinal mucosa of Thiry-Vella fistulas of colon and ileum, were studied in dogs in two experimental situations; (1) following intravenous infusion of potassium (15 mEq) over 30 minutes and (2) during variations in the intraluminal concentration of potassium in the range 0·8–16·0 mEq/l. Following intravenous infusion of potassium the rates of potassium secretion into the colon were usually increased; the rates of sodium and water absorption were either unchanged or decreased. The unidirectional rate of movement of potassium into the lumen increased as the concentration difference across the mucosa increased; the movement of potassium in the opposite direction remained relatively constant. The unidirectional movement of sodium and water into the lumen of the colon also increased but to a lesser extent. The effect on potassium transport in the ileum was not so marked. With increase in the intraluminal concentration of potassium there was a decrease in the rate of net potassium secretion in both colon and ileum. The rates of net absorption of sodium and water were not significantly altered. Unidirectional potassium movement into the body increased in all the ileal fistulas.