The effect of luminal pH on large intestinal absorption in ulcerative proctocolitis

The sensitivity of large intestinal absorption to pH and the absorption of short-chain fatty acids were measured in ulcerative proctocolitis by a dialysis bag method. Lowering luminal pH from 7 to 5.5 significantly reduced absorption of salt and water in proctocolitis, but not in normal controls. Short-chain fatty acid absorption was not affected by inflammation or change in pH when patients with ulcerative proctocolitis were compared with controls.