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Absorption of bicarbonate in sheep omasum
Driton Caushi1, Holger Martens1
1Freie Universitaet Berlin, Department of Veterinary Physiology, Oertzenweg 19b, 14163 Berlin, Germany.
Research in Veterinary Science
|March 31, 2018
Summary
Bicarbonate transport in sheep omasum is crucial for maintaining epithelial function. Impaired bicarbonate transport may contribute to abomasal displacement, a significant digestive disorder.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Gastroenterology
- Animal Science
Background:
- The omasum plays a vital role in ruminant digestion.
- Bicarbonate transport is essential for maintaining pH homeostasis in the digestive tract.
- Displacement of the abomasum is a common gastrointestinal disorder in ruminants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms of bicarbonate transport across the isolated sheep omasum epithelium.
- To identify factors influencing bicarbonate transport.
- To explore the potential role of bicarbonate transport dysfunction in abomasal displacement.
Main Methods:
- In vitro Ussing chamber technique.
- pH-Stat method for measuring bicarbonate transport.
- Pharmacological manipulation of ion transporters and enzymes.
Main Results:
- Bicarbonate transport occurred bidirectionally, with net transport from mucosa to serosa (Jms) exceeding serosa to mucosa (Jsm).
- Reducing apical Na/H exchanger activity significantly decreased Jms bicarbonate transport.
- Amiloride and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) combination, and carboanhydrase inhibition, significantly reduced Jms bicarbonate transport.
- Mucosal ammonia did not affect transport rates.
Conclusions:
- Transcellular bicarbonate transport is dependent on cytosolic pH regulation.
- Anion exchangers likely mediate bicarbonate transport across apical and basolateral membranes.
- Impaired bicarbonate transport may be an underappreciated factor in the pathogenesis of abomasal displacement.
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