[Calcium absorption in the small intestine in rats during hypokinesia]

The method of averted and non-averted segments was used to assess calcium absorption in the small intestine of adult and young rats with hypokinesia. A certain decrease in the active (by 13.8%) and more manifest diminution of the total (by 26.3%) calcium transport was established in adult rats after 4 weeks of hypokinesia. In young rats a significant lowering of the active calcium transport was already noted after 1 week of hypokinesia, however, age-dependent shifts in the process were more significant than those induced by hypokinesia. Changes in the calcium-regulating hormones are considered as a possible cause of decreased calcium absorption in the intestine in relation to hypokinesia and age.