Anion control of sodium absorption in the colon.

The regulatory functions of anions in colonic absorption of sodium are unknown. Absorption of sodium ions was assessed with chloride, butyrate, nitrite, sulphate and oxalate anions in segments of proximal/distal colon and in defunctioned colon. Efficiency of sodium absorption was related to availability of CO2 in mucosal cells: CO2 availability was enhanced (P less than 0.01) by sodium nitrite or diminished (P less than 0.01) in defunctioned colon. Sodium nitrite stimulated absorption of sodium in the distal colon where bicarbonate secretion predominated and n-butyrate stimulated absorption of sodium in the proximal colon where hydrogen ion secretion predominated. Sodium absorption was very significantly diminished (P less than 0.01) in defunctioned colon. Results indicate that sodium absorption in the colon is both a double anion exchange system as well as cation/anion co-transport. Anions act differently on sodium absorption along the length of the colon and prolonged lack of anions plays a part in sodium malabsorption of the defunctioned colon.