The effects of short-term ethanol exposure on the canine jejunal handling of calcium and glucose.

The effects of ethanol on simultaneous jejunal handling of calcium and glucose were studied in long-term canine jejunal Thirty-Vella loops. The loops were perfused intraluminally in a random sequence with physiologic buffer, buffer containing 3.5% ethanol, and buffer containing 7% ethanol. The addition of 3.5% or 7% ethanol to the buffer reduced the net absorption of glucose by 13% and 26%, respectively. The addition of 7% but not 3.5% ethanol significantly increased the net secretion of calcium (168% of basal). In contrast, luminal perfusion with ethanol did not significantly alter intestinal handling of water, sodium, or potassium. Serum calcium and glucose levels were similarly unaffected by the ethanol perfusion. Mean serum ethanol levels were all less than 10 mg/dl. We conclude that intraluminal ethanol has a significant effect on the jejunal handling of glucose and calcium, and this effect is not dependent on systemic intoxication.