A comparative study of bicarbonate secretion by ileum and colon of Oryctolagus cuniculus. Influence of caecal pH

The influence of caecal pH on movements of bicarbonate ion in rabbit colon and ileum has been studied. A net secretion of bicarbonate is noted in both intestinal segments (at higher rates in colon than in ileum) in our experimental conditions. The bicarbonate secretion rate is lowered when bicarbonate is added to caecum. The introduction of acetic acid at caecal level increased bicarbonate secretion rate both in ileum as in colon.