Intestinal absorption of aluminium in rats

To study the mechanism of intestinal aluminium (Al) absorption, an experimental investigation into the uptake of Al from the rat gut was undertaken. The small intestine was perfused in situ for 60 min with isotonic media containing 4.63, 9.25, and 18.50 mmol/l Al chloride at pH 4.0 and 7.0. Portal and systemic blood were sampled and analysed for its Al content by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. It was found that the intestinal absorption of Al in rats is concentration and pH dependent.