Effect of acetate or chloride anions on intestinal absorption of water and solutes in the calf.

The influence of acetate, compared with chloride, included in glucose-glycine-sodium formulation was investigated in anesthetized calves, using isolated segments of jejunum or ileum filled with one of the formulations. Maximal absorption of water was observed in the jejunum; this absorption was markedly higher with acetate formulations. The absorption of sodium was highest in the jejunum with the acetate formulation. With the acetate formulation, sodium absorption was still substantial in the ileum, but sodium absorption was maximal with the chloride formulation. Acetate was readily absorbed in the small intestine, particularly in the jejunum, whereas chloride was essentially absorbed in the ileum. With acetate formulations, there was a concomitant secretion of chloride and bicarbonate. These results indicate that acetate favors very efficiently the absorption of water and sodium in the jejunum. In addition, acetate has other interesting properties, such as alkalinizing effects after metabolization.