Effects of somatostatin on intestinal calcium transport in the rat

The addition of somatostatin (SRIF) to rat descending colon in vitro increased the calcium secretory flux from serosa to mucosa (Js leads to m) and reduced tissue short-circuit current (Isc) but did not alter the absorptive flux from mucosa to serosa (Js leads to m). Js leads to m increased by 37% at 10(-9) M SRIF and by 48% at 10(-6) M. The response to SRIF was not altered by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], and SRIF did not interfere with stimulation of calcium Jm leads to s by 1,25(OH)2D3. Removal of sodium from the buffer abolished the stimulation of Js leads to m by SRIF without reducing basal Js leads to m. Secretory fluxes of mannitol and calcium were strongly correlated in the presence and absence of SRIF, suggesting that SRIF stimulates a paracellular transepithelial pathway for calcium. In the duodenum, SRIF altered neither calcium Js leads to m nor Isc. In the ileum, calcium Js leads to m increased and Isc decreased, as in the colon, but only by 28 and 12%, respectively. The maximal change in calcium Js leads to m caused by SRIF in these three intestinal segments was negatively correlated with the tissue concentration of immunoreactive SRIF. These results suggest that intestinal calcium secretion could, in part, be regulated by intestinal SRIF.