[The enzymes of the enterocyte. Prospects for a functional exploration]

The authors recall the enzymatic activity and transport activities which were localised in the glycocalyx, the microvillous membrane, the intracellular compartment and the basolateral membrane of the enterocyte. The relationships between the processes of digestion and absorption, on the one hand, active transport, energy metabolism and sodium and potassium dependent ATPase, on the other hand are considered. The application of these data to functional investigation of the enterocyte is discussed, emphasizing the complementary character of the biological tests used currently and the importance of sodium and potassium dependent ATPase in the phenomena of active transport.