Some species differences in the intrinsic factor stimulation of B12 uptake by small intestine in vitro

Abstract

Sacs of everted small intestine from a variety of animals were incubated in bicarbonate-saline containing vitamin B12 with and without intrinsic factor (IF). B12 uptake by rat intestine was stimulated only by its own intrinsic factor. Guinea pig ileum responded to all intrinsic factors tested (guinea pig, rat, hog, hamster, human being and rabbit). The intestines of hamster and rabbit were intermediate in specificity, responding to some, but not all, of the IF preparations. Species differences occur in both the intestine and intrinsic factor preparations. The guinea pig ileum was suggested as a possible assay for both hog and human IF.