title: Free intrinsic factor in the small intestine in man.
abstract: Human jejunal and ileal contents and ileostomy effluents were examined for the presence of free intrinsic factor. This was detected in 9 out of 10 jejunal and three out of five ileal aspirates and in one of three ileostomy effluents studied. The intrinsic factor in the ileal effluent was shown to be physiologically active. The presence of free intrinsic factor in the small intestine has considerable physiological significance in maintaining the enterophepatic circulation of vitamin B12. It would also permit the absorption of any free vitamin B12 produced by ileal bacteria.
mesh_terms: D001826:Body Fluids / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007082:Ileum / Q000378:metabolism; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000382:microbiology; D007437:Intrinsic Factor / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D007583:Jejunum / Q000378:metabolism; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D007437:Intrinsic Factor; D014805:Vitamin B 12