[Intestinal adaptation of electrolyte and water resorption]

The mammalian intestine is capable of adjusting electrolyte and water transport to the diet by modifying not only total mucosal cell mass but also the functional properties of the absorbing cell. This was demonstrated in the rat cecum where oral application of the polymer polyethylene glycol induced epithelial cell hyperplasia and - functionally - a stimulation of active sodium transport per cell, a higher transmural electrical potential difference and an increased specific activity of the Na-K-ATPase.