title: The development of colonic transport mechanisms in early life: evidence for reduced anion exchange.
abstract: An anion exchange mechanism exists in colonic mucosa whereby chloride is absorbed and bicarbonate secreted. Using an in vivo non-equilibrium dialysis method we investigated rectal electrolyte movement in preterm neonates and older children. Our results show that anion exchange is poorly developed in infancy and appears to be absent in premature neonates, and suggest that complete maturation of this mechanism is not present until the end of the first year of life. This may render the young infant, and more especially the preterm infant, more susceptible to chloride depletion.
authors: Institute of Child Health, London, U.K.
authors: H R
authors: HR
authors: Jenkins
authors: P J
authors: PJ
authors: Milla
mesh_terms: D001639:Bicarbonates / Q000378:metabolism; D001693:Biological Transport, Active; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002712:Chlorides / Q000378:metabolism; D003106:Colon / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D007474:Ion Exchange; D012007:Rectum / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D001639:Bicarbonates; D002712:Chlorides; D004573:Electrolytes