D-galactose absorption for the whole intestinal surface after different types of resection and bypass

In vivo D-galactose absorption by the whole intestine between duodenum and rectum was studied in rats 1 month after sham operation, 50% proximal resection, intestinal bypass, or 50% distal resection. The total serosal areas were evaluated by means of an integrative method, obtaining reduced surfaces in resected or bypassed animals as compared with controls. The rate of D-galactose absorption, measured within 10 min, increased after proximal resection and bypass and diminished after distal resection, although the level was similar to that of controls at higher substrate concentrations. When expressed as serosal area, results in proximal and bypassed animals were higher than in controls, without differences (at lower galactose concentrations), and increased (at 25 mM), after distal resection. The total absorptive capacity related to wet and dry weight showed no differences in proximal and bypassed groups and a decrease after distal resection. The above results confirm a good level of recuperation when proximal intestinal surface is excluded. In case of ileal extirpation, a smaller compensatory response was found, which would be compensated for by a high substrate concentration in the intestinal lumen.