Comparison of transport mechanisms in isolated ascending and descending rat colon

The mechanisms of water and ion transport in ascending and descending rat colon were compared using an everted open mucosal sac preparation. Net water flux, measured gravimetrically, was similar in both segments (15.3 plus or minus 1.2 and 13.7 plus or minus 1.3mul h(-1) mg(-1), NS). Net catonic flux J(Na+K),net anionic flux J(Cl-HCO3), and net solute flux Josm were also similar; but the constituents of these flux , namely JNA, JK, and JHCO3, were significantly different. The descending colon absorbed significantly less Na and secreted significantly more HCO3. Only the descending colon absorbed K, whereas net JK across the ascending colon was zero. The PD across either segment ranged from 3 to 7 mV, mucosal side negative. Consideration of net flux and electrochemical gradient indicated that in both segments Na was absorbed actively. The nature of Cl transport could not be ascertained. Assuming transmural movement, HCO3 was secreted (or H ion absorbed) actively. Only the descending colon absorbed K actively. Across the ascending colon K was distributed close to electrochemical equilibrium. The compostion of the absorbates was calculated from Ji/Jv after correction of Jv for filtered water. Both absorbates were equally hypertonic (448.5 plus orminus 9.3 and 421.7 plus or minus 13.2; NS.)The ascending colon absorbate contained a significantly higher Na concentration and no K. The descending colon absorbate contained 15 mM K, about 3 times the K concentration in the bathing solution. It was concluded that the ascending colon and descending colon displayed quantitative differences in Na absorption and HCO3 secretion and a qualitative difference in K transport.