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Effects of calcium and sugars on intestinal manganese absorption

T A Lutz1, A Schroff, E Scharrer

  • 1Institute of Veterinary Physiology, University of Zürich, Switzerland.

Insights

Calcium influences manganese (Mn) absorption differently across rat intestinal segments. While inhibiting Mn absorption in the proximal jejunum and colon, calcium stimulated it in the distal jejunum.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Mineral Metabolism

Background:

  • Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element crucial for various physiological processes.
  • Understanding factors influencing Mn intestinal absorption is vital for nutritional and toxicological assessments.
  • Intestinal absorption of minerals can be modulated by luminal factors and segment-specific transport mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), lactose, and glucose on Mn absorption in distinct rat intestinal segments.
  • To elucidate the interactions between Mn and other luminal substances during intestinal transit.

Main Methods:

  • An in vivo luminal perfusion technique was employed in rats.
  • Radioactive 54Mn was used to quantify Mn absorption rates in different intestinal segments.
  • Sodium and water absorption were concurrently measured to assess overall intestinal function.

Main Results:

  • Mn absorption exhibited an initial decrease followed by a steady state within 30 minutes of perfusion.
  • Calcium (1 mmol/L) significantly inhibited Mn absorption in the proximal jejunum and colon.
  • Conversely, calcium (1 mmol/L) enhanced Mn absorption in the distal jejunum, while Mg, lactose, and glucose showed no significant effects in the jejunum.

Conclusions:

  • The findings suggest a complex, segment-specific interaction between calcium and manganese absorption in the rat intestine.
  • A direct interaction between Mn and Ca during transcellular calcium transport may explain inhibition in the proximal jejunum and colon.
  • The stimulatory effect of Ca on Mn absorption in the distal jejunum warrants further investigation.

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