Role of the interstitial matrix during intestinal volume absorption.

The effects of net volume absorption rate (Jv,m) on intestinal interstitial fluid volume (VI), lymph flow (JL), and the excluded volume fraction for interstitial albumin (FE) were analyzed in an autoperfused cat ileum preparation. Tissue blood volume, extracellular space, and extracellular albumin (VA) were estimated using 51Cr-labeled red blood cells, 99mTc-labeled diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA), and 125I-labeled human serum albumin, respectively. Nonabsorptive values of 27.8 ml/100 g, 18.2 ml/100 g, and 0.37 were acquired for VI, VA, and FE, respectively. Net volume absorption results in an increase in intestinal interstitial volume and lymph flow and decreases the degree of albumin exclusion in the interstitial matrix. The magnitude of the changes in interstitial volume, lymph flow, and excluded volume of albumin during net volume absorption are related to the rate of absorption. The increased matrix hydration during absorption serves to enchance vascular and lymphatic removal of absorbed volume.