Resection of rat small intestine: calcium, phosphorus, and fat balances and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol

In rat with massive resection of mid-small intestine, calcium transport per segment, measured by in vivo perfusion 10 days after surgery, is decreased in duodenum and ileum but is the same in cecum and colon as compared with controls with transection and reanastomosis of mid-small intestine. To extend these findings, we measured balances of calcium, phosphorus, and fat from the 5th to 10th day after surgery and serum concentration of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol on the 10th day after surgery in this experimental model. We found steatorrhea in the resected group, but balances of calcium and phosphorus and serum levels of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol were the same in resected and control groups. We conclude that decreased transport defined by direct examination of membrane function may be undetectable when net transport is measured by balance. Calcium balance during early post-resection period provides no evidence for future calcium deficiency in this experimental model.