Permeability of intestinal capillaries: effects of fat absorption and gastrointestinal hormones.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the postprandial increase of intestinal lymphatic protein flux is due to an increased capillary permeability. Intestinal lymph flow and lymph (L) and plasma (P) protein concentrations were measured at various venous pressures under control conditions, after cream feeding, and during intraluminal perfusion with a bile-oleic acid solution. The osmotic reflection coefficient (sigma d), a measure of capillary permeability that is independent of surface area, was estimated under all conditions, assuming sigma d = 1 - L/P at high capillary filtration rates. The results acquired indicate that cream feeding and intraluminal perfusion with bile-oleic acid significantly increases intestinal capillary permeability. Pretreatment with indomethacin and antihistamines did not alter the permeability increase induced by intraluminal bile-oleic acid. Intra-arterial infusion of cholecystokinin and secretin did not increase intestinal capillary permeability. These studies indicate that the postprandial increase in intestinal lymphatic protein flux is due at least in part, to an increase in capillary permeability. Cholecystokinin, secretin, histamine, and prostaglandins do not appear to mediate the increased intestinal capillary permeability during fat absorption.