Mechanisms of electrolyte transport in rat ileum.

The short-circuit current (Isc), potential difference (PD), tissue conductance (Gt), and Na and Cl fluxes in the short-circuit state across rat ileum were studied in Ussing chambers using a variety of bathing solutions. In Ringer solution, Isc exceeded net Na absorption and net Cl secretion occurred. Addition of 10 mM glucose increased Isc, PD, Gt, and net Na absorption, which accounts for 70% of the increase in Isc. Removal of HCO3 from Ringer solution did not alter any parameters but increased net Cl secretion due to a decrease in mucosal-to-serosal Cl flux. Reduction by 50% of the [Cl] in HCO3-free solution decreased the net Cl secretion to the level in Ringer solution and increased net Na absorption. Removal of Cl decreased Isc to the value of the net Na absorption and decreased the Na influx across the mucosal membrane by 39%. Isc and PD were near zero and net Cl absorption was observed in a Na-free solution. These results are consistent with the transport mechanism that consists of 1) an electrogenic Na absorptive process that accounts for the Isc, 2) a neutral NaCl-coupled secretory process, and 3) a system by which HCO3- secretion exchanges for Cl- absorption.