The effect of jejunectomy on alkaline phosphatase activity in the ileum

The activity of alkaline phosphatase activity in the small intestinal wall was studied in dogs after jejunectomy. The observations were made 3, 6, 8 or 9 and 12 weeks after operation. The studies aimed to obtain some information about the functional adaptation processes of the remaining intestinal segments. The enzyme activity in homogenates of duodenal and ileal mucosa was determined. Parallel interferometric measurements in the brush border and on the surface of the absorptive cells were performed. The results obtained indicate that after temporary reduction (especially 6 weeks postoperatively) a gradual rise of the alkaline phosphatase activity both in homogenates and in the brush border of the intestinal remnants took place. Several times repeated biopsies confirmed the ability of the intestinal segments (duodenum and distal ileum) significant increase in enzyme activity over the normal (control) level was observed.