Post-natal development of amiloride sensitive sodium transport in pig distal colon

1. Both electrophysiological properties and unidirectional Na and Cl fluxes have been determined across distal colons taken from pigs during early post-natal development. 2. The transmural potential difference (Vms) was 5 mV in the new-born and 10 mV in the 4 day old colon. The short circuit current (Scc) showed a three to sixfold increase during the first 10 days of post-natal life. The microvillar membrane potential (Vm) fell from about -45 mV in the new-born to -40 mV in the 4 day old colon. 3. Amiloride had no effect on Vms, Scc or Vm, measured in the new-born animal. It reduced Vms and Scc, caused a hyperpolarization of Vm and increased the microvillar membrane/basolateral membrane resistance ratio (Rm/Rs) in colons taken from older animals. 4. The Scc of distal colons taken from new-born and 1 day old pigs was only half that predicted from unidirectional measurements of Na flux. This discrepancy, which could not be completely accounted for by net CL absorption, disappeared in the older animals. 5. Net transport of Na doubled during the first 24 h of post-natal life. Part of this transport took place through an amiloride sensitive, non-electrogenic, pathway. 6. It is suggested that Na uses mainly a non-electrogenic pathway to cross the mucosa of the new-born pig. This pathway is replaced by an electrogenic amiloride sensitive mechanism in older animals. Aldosterone is thought to initiate these changes in Na tranport.