Absorption of water and sodium and activity of adenosine triphosphatases in the rectal mucosa in tropical sprue.
In 10 southern Indian patients with tropical sprue, in vivo dialysis showed a defect of absorption of water and sodium from the rectum, when compared with 11 healthy volunteers. Sodium-potassium-ATPase activity, measured in homogenates of rectal biopsies, was significantly diminished in patients with sprue. Magnesium-ATPase and alkaline phosphatase were normal in biopsy homogenates. Decreased activity of colonic sodium-potassium-ATPase may contribute to diarrhoea in some patients with tropical sprue.
Ramakrishna
B S
BS
Wellcome Research Unit, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India.
Mathan
V I
VI
D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D012007:Rectum / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism*; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / Q000378:metabolism*; D013182:Sprue, Tropical / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D014867:Water / Q000378:metabolism*
D014867:Water; D012964:Sodium; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase