Some characteristics of the rabbit vermiform appendix as a secreting organ

It has been confirmed that the rabbit vermiform appendix secretes spontaneously at a relatively rapid rate (1-12 ml.h(-1); 1.4+/-0.24 mul.min(-1).cm(-2)). The electrolyte composition is similar to that of ileal fluids and independent of the secretory rate. The transmural potential difference is about 12 mV, mucosa negative. Of the major electrolytes, only HCO(3) (-) is secreted grossly against its electrochemical potential difference. This finding plus the low hydraulic (or osmotic) permeability (L(p)) and high secretory pressures of the organ strongly suggest that the secretion is an active one. The passive permeability to Na(+) and Cl(-) appears to be, at most, somewhat less than for small bowel. Permeability to mannitol was estimated at 2.5 x 10(-7) cm.s(-1). On the basis of reasonable assumptions and results with luminal test solutions of differing osmolarities, it was concluded that (a) the L(p) of the appendiceal epithelium is in the lower range of values reported for small bowel and colon; (b) the L(p) is higher for osmotic absorption than for osmotic secretion; and (c) the rate of spontaneous secretion is insensitive to luminal anisotonicity over a wide range of values. But sufficiently hypotonic solutions can reverse net secretion to net absorption, more by inhibiting spontaneous secretion than increasing osmotic absorption. The rabbit vermiform appendix appears to be a useful model for the elucidation of intestinal secretory processes.