LOPERAMIDE INHIBITS THE ENHANCED INTESTINAL GLUCOSE-ABSORPTION OF CYSTIC-FIBROSIS IN-VITRO

Enhanced Na+-linked nutrient absorption has been demonstrated in the c ystic fibrosis bowel and mag contribute to the dehydration of the lumi nal contents. The ability of loperamide to inhibit glucose transport w as therefore assessed in jejunal biopsy specimens from children with c ystic fibrosis by measuring the increased short-circuit current associ ated with active glucose absorption using a mini-Ussing chamber techni que. The presence of loperamide in the luminal solution reduced the ri se in short-circuit current induced by glucose over the range of conce ntrations tested (2.5 to 40 mmol L(-1)). This finding suggests that th e enhanced Na+ absorption, which is a feature of cystic fibrosis, is a menable to treatment and can be restored to normal levels. This result may have therapeutic implications for gastrointestinal function and m ay be applicable to other tissues where similar therapeutic approaches to reduce Na+ and thus water absorption are being pursued.