Effect of auranofin on absorptive processes in the rat small bowel

Mucosal auranofin (AF) caused a concentration dependent inhibition of fluid, Na+, glycine and galactose transport by everted sacs of rat small intestine (IC50 = 2 X 10(-4) M). Inhibition of nutrient absorption was not due to reduced fluid uptake since a similar reduction in fluid uptake induced by a mucosal osmotic load failed to alter glycine transport. Inhibitory effects of AF were not observed when metabolism was reduced, suggesting that carrier mediated entry processes were unaltered. AF inhibited Na+, K+-ATPase activity in isolated enterocytes (IC50 = 2 X 10(-4) M), without affecting Mg2+-dependent ATPase activity. Our studies suggest that the actions of AF on small intestinal absorption may result from inhibition of the Na+ pump.