Analysis of models for determining intestinal wall permeabilities

In determining intestinal wall permeabilities, several mass transport models may be applied to analyze the results from external perfusion experiments. The appropriateness of any given model depends on the applicability of the model assumptions to the experimental system. This report compares several mass transport models with respect to their assumptions and applicability to a particular experimental design. The models are shown to differ in their assumptions regarding convection and diffusion in the perfusing fluid. However, since the wall permeability is an unknown parameter in each model and is estimated from the data, all of the models fit the mass transfer results reasonably well, despite fundamentally different assumptions. However, the determined permeabilities differ. Residence time distribution analysis of the experimental system is more sensitive to the model assumptions. It is shown that, in a particular experimental system, laminar flow in a cylindrical tube is the most appropriate model. The model also has the advantage of implicitly accounting for the convection-diffusion problem in the perfusing fluid. Hence, the diffusion layer thickness is not estimated from the data. With the hydrodynamics defined, the relative permeabilities resulting from the application of the several models to the data can be interpreted. The wall permeability determined in the suggested manner provides an estimate of the limiting assistance under perfect mixing conditions.