RAT JEJUNAL ABSORPTIVE FUNCTION AFTER INTESTINAL TRANSPLANTATION - EFFECTS OF EXTRINSIC DENERVATION

Jejunal absorptive function was evaluated following small intestinal t ransplantation to determine the effects of extrinsic denervation. In p articular, water and sodium absorption were measured following transpl antation (denervated) and compared to a control group (Thiry-Vella). W ater flow was initially secretory two days after transplantation (-41 +/- 27 mul/min/g dry tissue weight) but became absorptive at day 8 (25 +/- 25). Water flow in the Thiry- Vella group was not significantly d ifferent (P > 0. 05) from the transplant group at days 8 (17 +/- 7) an d 10 (47 +/- 42). Sodium flows were also initially secretory in the tr ansplant group and became absorptive. This study refutes previous clai ms that small bowel transplants have a deficiency of water absorption due to extrinsic denervation of the bowel and suggests normal absorpti ve function of water, electrolytes, and protein.