Some changes in gastro-intestinal metabolism and in the urine and bladders of rats in response to sodium saccharin ingestion.

In rats fed sodium saccharin in the diet changes in urine composition, increased bladder-tissue mass and, in males only, an accumulation of minerals in the bladder tissue have been observed. In this report evidence is presented that indicates that these changes are a consequence of the effects of sodium saccharin in the gastro-intestinal tract and are not due to systemic sodium saccharin. Sodium saccharin has been shown to inhibit gastro-intestinal enzymes that digest carbohydrates and proteins and to increase caecal absorption of mineral ions. The significance of these findings to saccharin-associated bladder tumorigenesis is discussed.