Effect of short-chain fatty acids on colonic function and structure.
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), fermentation products of fiber, are believed to play a role in intestinal adaptation. Although the administration of fiber or the infusion of SCFA has been shown to cause colonic growth, studies have been done primarily in enterally fed animals. In addition, the effects of SCFA on absorptive function have not been determined. Adult male rats were maintained on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and, in addition, received either 150 mmol/L of saline or 150 mmol/L of SCFA mixture (60:25:15, acetate:propionate:butyrate) into the proximal colon. One week later, the in vivo absorption of water, electrolytes, and 20 mmol/L of butyrate was measured. After the rats were killed, parameters of colonic mass were determined. SCFA infusion into the colon had no significant effect on absorptive function. However, significantly greater mucosal height (p less than .01) and mucosal DNA (p less than .05), were observed. Although SCFA has a modest effect on colonic structure, they do not influence absorptive function in TPN rats.
Friedel
D
D
Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19141.
Levine
G M
GM
D000085:Acetates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D019342:Acetic Acid; D000818:Animals; D002087:Butyrates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D020148:Butyric Acid; D003106:Colon / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007408:Intestinal Absorption / Q000187:drug effects; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total; D011422:Propionates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D000085:Acetates; D002087:Butyrates; D005227:Fatty Acids; D011422:Propionates; D020148:Butyric Acid; C029658:propionic acid; D019342:Acetic Acid