[Effects of perfusion flow rates on the intestinal absorption of carbohydrates]

The effects of five perfusion flow rates (4,5, 9, 12, 30 and 60 ml/h) on the intestinal absorption of glucose, fructose and sucrose were studied in the rat with a "temporary" Thiry-Vella loop (jejunum = 20 cm). Sucrose hydrolysis and intestinal transport of actively and passively absorbed solutes were markedly affected when the flow rates rose to a value higher than the limiting rate of 12 ml/h. With a flow rate up to 60 ml/h, glucose and fructose were absorbed at the same rate, but this was not due to thinning of the unstirred water layer. Sucrose hydrolysis was likewise completely inhibited. This result cannot be attributed to a product inhibition because of the absence of hexoses in the exit perfusate. These observations had important implications in the comparison of the intestinal absorption of many nutrients to evaluate the optimal perfusion rate corresponding to intestinal function integrity.