Effect of concentration on the intestinal absorption of glucose

Abstract

Ihe intestinal absorption of glucose at concentrations between 0,67 and 5,4 g. % is being studied by successive experiences, in the same isolated loop (Sois and Ponz method) In one group of animals the Solutions at concentrations inferior to 5.4 % were hypotonic, and in three other groups the Solutions at the same concentrations became isotonie through mixture with Tyrode, with natrium sulphate andwith ramnose, respectively.

In all the groups experimented upon a marked increase of absorbed glucose was observed when concentration was increased, more than might be expected if concentration infiuenced inerely the physical process of diffusion.

In discussion it is shown that the results obtained by Cori’s me­ thod or with hypertonic glucose solution in isolated loop are of scarcevalué in the studv of the intluence of concentration. The interpretation of the icsults coiné to by the authors that have studied the problem is being critizised. Therefore the supposition that the so-called selective absorption be constant and independent of concentration on surpassing certain limits is discussed. The possibility is suggested that concen­ tration owing to the law of masses has a direct influence on the supposed biochemical reactionsof selective absorption In this way the intensity of selective absorption would be conditioned bv concentration.