Relationship between intestinal volume secretion and oxygen uptake.

The effects of net volume secretion on blood flow, oxygen extraction, and oxygen extraction, and oxygen uptake were analyzed in autoperfused segments of cat ileum. Intestinal secretion was induced by local intraarterial infusion of glucagon, histamine, theophylline, prostaglandin E1, or vasoactive intestinal peptide, and, by intraluminal placement of cholera toxin or ricinoleic acid. Net volume secretion rates were determined using a volume recovery method. Intestinal oxygen uptake was increased by all secretagogues. The increases oxygen uptake by the screening intestine resulted from an increased blood flow or oxygen extraction or both. Significant positive correlations between intestinal oxygen uptake and secretion rate were acquired only during cholera toxin, theophylline, and prostaglandin E1, secretion. The results indicate that the metabolic work incurred in the small bowel during secretory states greatly exceeds that reported for the absorptive state.