Regional differences in oxalate absorption by rat intestine: evidence for excessive absorption by the colon in steatorrhoea.

Clinical studies suggest that steatorrhoea can be associated with excessive absorption of dietary oxalate. We examined the influence of bile salts, Ca++, and long-chain fatty acid on the absorption of oxalate and water by rat intestine in vivo. Absorption was measured under steady-state conditions during single-pass infusions. Each intestinal segment served as its own control. In jejunum, 10 mM taurocholate, the principal salt in rat bile, depressed absorption of oxalate and water. Absorption was not depressed further by Ca++ or linoleic acid. In ileum, 10 mM taurocholate did not inhibit absorption. Linoleic acid, 2 mM, depressed absorption of both oxalate and water. In colon 10 mM taurocholate decreased absorption. Net water transport was depressed further when linoleic acid was added to the infusion, but oxalate absorption was enhanced. Ca++ negated these effects of linoleic acid. It is concluded that long-chain fatty acids may enhance the absorption of oxalate from the rat colon. This observation may be relevant to understanding hyperoxaluria in patients with steatorrhoea.