Comparison of VIP-induced electrolyte secretion at three levels in rat small intestine

Duodenal, jejunal and ileal loops were prepared and an iso-osmotic test solution injected, containing 80 mM Na+, 5-mM K+, 1.2 mM Ca2+, 77 mM Cl-, 10 mM HCO3- and 136 mM mannitol. 14CPEG 4000 was used as a non-absorbable marker and 36Cl was added to measure the bidirectional fluxes. During the 60-min in vivo incubation time, the duodenum actively secreted bicarbonate, a virtually zero flux in the jejunum was observed, whereas the ileum absorbed water and chloride and secreted bicarbonate. The response to the perfused doses of 0.15 to 2.4 nmol.100 g-1.h-1 of VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) differed qualitatively and quantitatively in the 3 segments: VIP increased bicarbonate secretion and induced chloride secretion in the duodenum, induced chloride secretion in the jejunum without changing bicarbonate minimal influx, induced bicarbonate secretion and suppressed chloride absorption in the ileum. The minimal dose required was lower in the duodenum (0.3 nmol.100 g-1.h-1) than in the jejunum and ileum (1.2 nmol.100 g-1.h-1). The functional heterogeneity of the small intestine was clearly demonstrated after VIP stimulation.