The influence of pancreatic juice on 64Cu absorption in the rat

The absorption of 64Cu from closed duodeno-jejunal loops in anaesthetized rats was significantly less in the presence of pancreatic juice compared with that in the presence of saline (9 g sodium chloride/l). The inhibition of 64Cu absorption caused by pancreatic juice was similar to that achieved with bile. Studies using solutions of electrolytes and of pancreatic extracts showed that the inhibitory effect of pancreatic secretions was due to its protein-enzyme content and not to its bicarbonate content. Pancreatic secretion and bile influence Cu absorption and thereby affect Cu homeostasis.