[Distribution of dipeptidases in the rat small intestine]

GlyLeu- and AlaAla-dipeptidase activities were studied in various zones of digestion: in mucosal deposit of small intestine, in epithelium of homogenate free of mucosal deposit and in washing water of small intestine. The highest rate of the dipeptidases activity was found in washing water of small intestine; at the same time, the activity in mucosal deposit exceeded its level in homogenate of small intestine epithelium. The dipeptidases, which are synthesized in small intestine epithelial cells, are apparently accumulated in mucosal deposit and then diffused into intestinal lumen, where the first steps of intestinal digestion occurred, while the most effective intestinal digestion proceeded in mucosal deposit.