Methods used to study intestinal nutrient transport: past and present.
BACKGROUND
Vitally important to the future of surgical care is the study of nutrition and nutrient uptake. Advances in this field of research have become increasingly dependent upon the disciplines of immunology, histology, and molecular biology. The fusion of these sciences has deepened our insight into the relationship between molecular structure and physiologic function. The ability to apply new technologies to this endeavor will enable the surgeon-investigator to further widen our understanding of nutrient transport.


METHODS
Medline and current literature review.


CONCLUSIONS
We summarize many of the methods used to measure the uptake of nutrients by the intestinal epithelium, providing a historical perspective.
Ray
Edward C
EC
Department of Surgery, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York 14642, USA.
Avissar
Nelly E
NE
Sax
Harry C
HC
D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport / Q000502:physiology; D004594:Electrophysiology / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption / Q000502:physiology*; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism*