The effect of calcium ions on long chain fatty acid transport by slices of rat jejunum.

1. There is a large increase in palmitic acid uptake by rat jejunum slices when incubated in the presence of calcium. This effect is observed at both 37 and at 0 degrees C.2. The presence or absence of calcium in the incubation medium does not affect triglyceride synthesis from absorbed fatty acid.3. The release of synthesized triglyceride from the tissue into the medium is increased by calcium.4. The probability that calcium transport and long chain fatty acid transport may be interrelated at both the brush border and at the basal and lateral membranes of the intestinal mucosal epithelial cell is discussed.