Effects of the pre-incubation in a Na + -free medium on the O 2 uptake and glucose utilization by the intestine

Abstract

The influence of preincubation in a Na+-free medium (mannitol substituting for Na) on the respiratory activity of in­ testine strips, measured during subsequent incubation in a Na+restored medium, was evaluated. In the absence of glucose, O2 uptake was inhibited. In the presence of glucose, O2 uptake and glucose utilization were inhibited, and similar amount of lac­tate was produced. The lactate/glucose ratio in the strips preincubated in the Na+-free medium was higher than in the strips preincubated with Na4-. These re­sults further support the evidence that the absence of Na+ during one hour preincu­ bation disrupts the respiratory capacity of the tissue.